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Energy Access, Equity, and the Future of Electricity in India

Energy: Key Insights and Pathways

1. Why Energy Matters: Key Insights

  • Energy powers progress, defines planetary boundaries, and reflects social priorities.
  • Two-way relationship with development:
    • Access to electricity improves income, education, health, and well-being.
    • Development increases energy demand.

2. Energy Inequality in India: Data & Examples

  • Energy Access Explorer (WRI): Reveals stark disparities in access.

    • Example: Jharkhand – yellow dots = schools without electricity; green dots = health centers with regular power cuts.

  • CEEW Report Findings:

    • 44% of households are aware of solar heating systems (higher in urban areas).
    • Only 1.1% own solar heating systems.
    • 25% are aware of BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) star ratings.
    • Only 4.7% plan to buy solar heating systems.
    • 47% have access to LPG cylinders → traditional fuels still widely used.

3. Electricity: The Backbone of the Economy

  • Scale: Over 25 crore connections; 80% are domestic.

Challenges:

  • Inefficiency: Utilities must generate 1500W to deliver 1000W to rural households (transmission losses).
  • Financial Viability: Needs to recover ₹6/hour of use but often fails.
  • Investment & Timeframes: Requires large capital and long-term planning; sector doubles every 10–15 years.

4. The Way Forward: Reimagining Energy Systems

  • Cleaner Fuels: Transition to renewables (solar, wind) and cleaner options (LPG, biogas).
  • Energy Efficiency: Promote BEE-rated appliances and solar technologies.
  • Equity Focus: Ensure access for rural, low-income, and marginalized groups.
  • Resilience & Fairness: Build systems that are environmentally sustainable and socially just.

5. Global Perspective: World Economic Forum

Today’s energy crisis is a generational opportunity to create:

  • Cleaner energy systems
  • Fairer access
  • Greater resilience

Exam Tip

  • Focus on the dual role of energy as both a driver of development and a source of inequality.
  • Use data from CEEW and WRI to highlight disparities in access and awareness.
  • Understand the inefficiencies in electricity transmission and the financial challenges faced by utilities.
  • Emphasize solutions that combine:
    • Renewable energy adoption
    • Efficiency improvements
    • Equitable policies
  • Always link local examples (e.g., Jharkhand) to broader national and global energy transitions.
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