Himanta Sarma said, “The state expects peak demand to reach 3,000 MW next year.”
Guwahati:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said the state has almost exhausted its power generation capacity from indigenous sources due to the huge spike in electricity demand this year. The government, he said, is exploring options to meet the additional power needs and the situation has improved.
Replying to a motion for adjournment of the energy scenario on the first day of the autumn session of the State Assembly, Mr. Sarma said the State has witnessed a sudden increase in demand for electricity during peak hours.
“Peak demand was around 1,600 MW in 2018-2019, reached 1,800 MW in the following two years and reached 1,970 MW in 2022-2023,” he said.
“This is the first time demand has reached 2,500 MW. Even I don’t know what happened, it’s unprecedented. The state expects peak demand to reach 3,000 MW next year and 4,000 MW by the time its term in office ends in 2026. ,” he added.
The opposition has attacked the government over the issue.
Earlier, Congress MLA Bharat Chandra Narah said the government should draw power from an open source to meet the demand.
The government has funds for various schemes, including crores for a plantation drive. It can use part of the money to ensure electricity is provided to the people during such hot conditions, he further claimed.
“In Assam, peak hour production is 250 MW and our peak demand is 2,500 MW, so in the adjournment motion, we have urged the government to increase our own energy production,” said Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi.
As the government analyzes the reasons for the sudden spike, the Prime Minister said, “The prosperity of the people has contributed to this, along with increased business activities.”
As more industries prepare to open factories in the state, the demand will increase further and the government is preparing to meet it, he added.
The opposition Congress has also attacked the BJP.
“In 2014, the BJP had promised 24-hour power. Now in Assam, there are 24 power cuts in 24 hours and if you don’t have money to buy power, why spend over Rs 4,000 crore on smart meters? ” said state Congress president Bhupen Borah.
However, the Prime Minister clarified the issue in the postponement motion.
“We no longer have any energy generation capacity ourselves, unless we opt for a coal-fired power plant in Margherita. But that is intertwined with environmental issues and we must also try to protect our biodiversity,” he said.
