What explains the persisting regional disparities in energy access across Indian states? Analyse the causes rooted in demand-supply mismatch and assess the effectiveness of the national grid in addressing them. Also suggest measures to ensure equitable and reliable electricity distribution.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy
Q5. What explains the persisting regional disparities in energy access across Indian states? Analyse the causes rooted in demand-supply mismatch and assess the effectiveness of the national grid in addressing them. Also suggest measures to ensure equitable and reliable electricity distribution. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question Energy gaps in the North-East and East are being plugged by the transmission sector as India aims to boost its renewable capacity to 500 GW by 2030 Key Demand of the question The question requires identifying reasons for uneven energy access across states, examining how demand-supply mismatch contributes to the issue, assessing the performance of the national grid, and proposing practical solutions for fair and reliable electricity distribution. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly introduce India’s progress towards energy sufficiency while highlighting persistent regional imbalances in power access. Body Identify key reasons for regional disparities in power access such as infrastructure gaps, weak DISCOMs, and policy asymmetries. Analyse how poor forecasting, rising demand, and underutilisation contribute to demand-supply mismatches. Assess successes and challenges of the national grid in balancing state-level gaps and enabling integration. Suggest targeted reforms including regional investment, DISCOM reform, renewable diversification, and grid modernisation. Conclusion Conclude with the need to align energy equity with sustainability and resilience through coordinated national and state-level interventions.
Why the question Energy gaps in the North-East and East are being plugged by the transmission sector as India aims to boost its renewable capacity to 500 GW by 2030
Key Demand of the question The question requires identifying reasons for uneven energy access across states, examining how demand-supply mismatch contributes to the issue, assessing the performance of the national grid, and proposing practical solutions for fair and reliable electricity distribution.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Briefly introduce India’s progress towards energy sufficiency while highlighting persistent regional imbalances in power access.
• Identify key reasons for regional disparities in power access such as infrastructure gaps, weak DISCOMs, and policy asymmetries.
• Analyse how poor forecasting, rising demand, and underutilisation contribute to demand-supply mismatches.
• Assess successes and challenges of the national grid in balancing state-level gaps and enabling integration.
• Suggest targeted reforms including regional investment, DISCOM reform, renewable diversification, and grid modernisation.
Conclusion Conclude with the need to align energy equity with sustainability and resilience through coordinated national and state-level interventions.