Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed the Energy Department to modernise the state’s power infrastructure and ensure 24×7 uninterrupted, reliable and consumer-friendly electricity supply across Jharkhand.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Energy Department, the Chief Minister said providing quality and affordable electricity to every citizen is the state government‘s top priority. He instructed officials to strengthen electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems using modern technologies while ensuring permanent solutions to power outages.
Soren also directed officials to replace burnt transformers within 24 hours so that consumers do not face prolonged power disruptions.
CM Hemant Soren Orders Modernisation of Jharkhand’s Power Infrastructure
The Chief Minister said Jharkhand’s electricity network should be upgraded with advanced technologies to improve reliability and service quality.
He instructed officials to:
- Ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state.
- Permanently resolve frequent power cuts.
- Strengthen generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure.
- Supply adequate electricity according to consumer demand.
- Replace damaged transformers within 24 hours.
He said the government is committed to providing every citizen with uninterrupted, quality and accessible electricity.
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Three New Smart Grids to Be Set Up in Ranchi
During the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that three new smart grids will be established in Ranchi as part of efforts to modernise the state’s electricity distribution system.
The smart grids will be developed at:
- Kusai Colony.
- Bariatu.
- Itki.
Several new electricity substations will also be constructed.
According to officials, the smart grids will help:
- Improve power supply quality.
- Enhance load management.
- Monitor technical faults more efficiently.
- Deliver more reliable electricity to consumers.
The Chief Minister directed officials to complete the projects within the stipulated timeline while maintaining quality standards.
Free 200 Units of Electricity Scheme to Reach All Eligible Families
Chief Minister Hemant Soren instructed officials to ensure that the benefits of the 200 units of free electricity scheme reach every eligible household in a transparent manner.
He emphasised:
- Proper identification of beneficiaries.
- Effective implementation of the scheme.
- Quick resolution of consumer grievances.
- Ensuring that no eligible family is deprived of the benefit.
He said the scheme is providing financial relief to lakhs of families across the state.
Government Plans to Increase Power Generation Capacity
The Chief Minister stressed the need to make Jharkhand more self-reliant in power generation.
He directed the Energy Department to prepare a scientific plan to increase hydroelectric generation by studying the potential of major waterfalls and reservoirs, including:
- Hundru Falls.
- Jonha Falls.
He also asked officials to adopt modern technologies that can maximise electricity generation even when water availability is limited.
Sikidiri Hydroelectric Project to Be Modernised
Reviewing the Sikidiri Hydroelectric Project, the Chief Minister instructed officials to modernise the power plant and enhance its generation capacity.
He asked the department to compare the performance of existing and new machinery and prepare a roadmap for increasing electricity generation through advanced technologies.
Floating Solar and Rooftop Solar Projects to Be Accelerated
To promote renewable energy, the Chief Minister directed officials to speed up the implementation of:
- Floating solar projects.
- Rooftop solar installations.
He instructed the department to install floating solar panels on reservoirs and encourage the installation of rooftop solar systems on both government and private buildings.
The initiative is expected to support clean energy generation while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
Solar Farming on Barren Land to Boost Farmers’ Income
Hemant Soren also asked officials to prepare a plan for promoting solar farming on barren land to increase farmers’ income.
The proposed initiative includes:
- Providing subsidies for solar panel installation.
- Offering technical assistance to farmers.
- Creating a transparent system for government procurement of electricity generated through solar projects.
The Chief Minister said the initiative could generate additional income opportunities for farmers while promoting renewable energy.
AI-Based Monitoring and Smart Metering to Be Expanded
To modernise the functioning of the Energy Department, the Chief Minister directed officials to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based monitoring system.
He also instructed the department to complete the ongoing smart metering campaign within the prescribed timeline.
According to the Chief Minister, these measures will:
- Improve electricity management.
- Enable faster complaint resolution.
- Enhance operational efficiency.
- Strengthen consumer services.
Recruitment to Be Carried Out in Energy Department
The Chief Minister directed the department to fill vacant posts in the Energy Department and its affiliated institutions at the earliest.
He instructed officials to:
- Complete recruitment for 35% of vacant positions in the first phase.
- Ensure adequate manpower in rural areas.
- Strengthen the department’s operational capacity.
24×7 Power Supply to Government Hospitals
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in all government and major hospitals across the state.
To achieve this, he instructed the department to:
- Develop dual power line systems for hospitals.
- Conduct regular technical inspections of electrical infrastructure.
- Ensure uninterrupted power for healthcare facilities.
He said uninterrupted electricity is essential for delivering quality healthcare services.
Faster Consumer Grievance Redressal System Planned
Chief Minister Hemant Soren also directed the department to strengthen consumer grievance redressal mechanisms.
He instructed officials to improve:
- Electricity helplines.
- Online complaint portals.
- Public grievance centres.
He said consumers should not face unnecessary delays in resolving routine electricity-related issues and called for a responsive, transparent and time-bound complaint resolution system.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The high-level review meeting was attended by:
- Avinash Kumar, Chief Secretary.
- Ajay Kumar Singh, Development Commissioner.
- K. Srinivasan, Secretary, Energy Department.
- Senior officials from the Energy Department and various state power corporations.
The meeting focused on improving Jharkhand’s power infrastructure, expanding renewable energy, strengthening electricity distribution, enhancing consumer services and ensuring reliable power supply across the state.
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