‘Separate power feeders can greatly improve rural electrification’

Over 65 years after Independence, nearly half of the 800 million people living in rural India are yet to get access to electricity. A major …

Power the people

For the country where only 15 per cent of its population have access to electricity, Nepal has come a long way. It took 84 years to achieve power …

Let solar shine

Census 2011 throws light on the darkness across India. Of the 246 million households, 67 per cent get electricity from the grid, while 31 per …

Mini grids: the smarter way towards rural electrification

Expansion of the electric grid has been unable to ensure universal access to power in 70 years. Decentralised mini-grids do more for last-mile …

Unreliable power

Inconsistent supply of electricity has made no difference to the quality of life of residents in Dhemaji district of Assam

High stakes

Experience in Giridih suggests that the success of rural electrification depends on the sincerity and commitment of the local contractor

Mini-grids and off-grid investment crucial for energy access in Africa

Electrification via centralised grids is slow in the continent where 620 million people live without electricity

In Parliament on March 20, 2017

Issues like management of e-waste and electrification of backward and remote areas of the country featured in today's discussions

Report pitches for nuclear energy in future

India is undergoing negotiations to unlock long-standing agreements with French, Russian and US companies to build nuclear power plants across …

PM Modi’s Independence Day speech focuses on food security, clean energy

Social justice, clean energy, agricultural reforms and rural electrification find mention in PM Modi's speech

Is 100% electrification another myth before polls?

As with most govt schemes, real efficacy of Saubhagya scheme remains unclear & there is reason to question  if the real goal of power …

With over 30 million households yet to be electrified, Saubhagya Yojna way behind the target

To achieve the target under Saubhagya scheme, the government has to electrify 130, 802 houses each day till December 31, 2018

Darkness before light

Down To Earth visited Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh and found that despite electrification, households continue to depend on kerosene and …

UP’s mini-grid policy tries to boost rural electrification

Private players can now set up solar plants to power rural households and recover tariff from the users in Uttar Pradesh

In Parliament on December 16, 2016

A round up of environment- and development-related discussions in the parliament today 

How true were PM Modi’s claims made during Independence Day speech?

A probing look into his claims reveals that not all that he said is in sync with the official data

A long wait

In Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, delays in setting up power connections have marred the village residents' hope for a better life

Current distress

Six states, 30 villages, 13,000 kilometres. Down To Earth travelled to some of the most remote villages of the country to assess India's progress …

Three-year action plan identifies gaps in rural development schemes

Over the next three years, the government wants to focus on strengthening implementation and monitoring of existing schemes

Out of option

Solar becomes lifeline for power-starved Bihar, but cheap and inferior equipment dominate market

How does the Budget score on energy front?

The government has approved Rs 2,000 crore as initial outlay for providing LPG connections to poor women 

A dull year for renewable energy

While the increase in solar capacity has been stated clearly, it is unclear what direction the currently faltering renewable industry will take …

Boon or bane?

The condition in electrified villages is no better than that of the unelectrified ones in Bihar's Saran district. The voltage is so low that even …

Practical matters

Despite growth in renewables, coal-based power will continue to fulfil a large share of India's power needs. Instead of resisting the new …

Hope flickers

Solar electricity lights the maximum number of villages in Chhattisgarh—but barely so