Once limited to food, water, and shelter, the idea of basic necessities has evolved with time, and in today’s world, electricity stands firmly as the fourth essential, sustaining modern life across health, education, industry, and communication. In the context of India’s rapid development, the expansion of a robust and interconnected power grid has been central to reaching near-universal electricity access, bringing power to the most remote regions while also accommodating large-scale renewable energy and modernising transmission infrastructure. Jabraj Singh, Transmission and distribution expert, has closely examined this journey, observing how strategic grid planning and execution have helped map every corner of the country with reliable power, ensuring that growth is not confined to urban centres but shared more evenly, making electricity a true enabler of inclusive national development.
“From villages to mega cities, India’s power grid is playing a vital role in driving inclusive development by ensuring reliable electricity reaches every region. As electricity demand continues to rise, India is balancing growth with sustainability while positioning itself at the centre of the global energy transition. With energy demand growing faster than in most major economies and India’s share in global energy consumption expected to increase significantly by 2035, a strong transmission and distribution network will be essential to support development that benefits both rural and urban India alike,” affirms Jabraj Singh.
India’s progress in the power sector over the last decade reflects both scale and intent. As of June 2025, the country’s total installed power capacity reached an impressive 476 GW, a clear indicator of its readiness to meet growing demand. Power shortages, once a persistent constraint on growth, have reduced sharply, from 4.2 per cent in 2013–14 to just 0.1 per cent in 2024–25, as per the data of PIB. This improvement has had a direct impact on everyday life, enabling industries to operate more efficiently and households to rely on uninterrupted electricity. More than 2.8 crore households have been electrified in this period, while per capita electricity consumption has risen by nearly 46 per cent, signalling both improved access and rising economic activity.
A defining feature of India’s power story is the push for universal electricity access. Government initiatives such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and the SAUBHAGYA scheme have transformed rural electrification from a policy objective into a lived reality. Reliable power in villages has strengthened irrigation systems, enabled cold storage for agricultural produce, supported digital connectivity, and improved the reach of education and healthcare services. For millions of rural households, electricity has become a gateway to opportunity rather than a limiting factor, narrowing the development gap between urban and rural India.
At the same time, the country’s power grid is evolving to support a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix. Non-fossil fuel sources now contribute 235.7 GW, or nearly 49 per cent, of India’s total installed capacity, including 226.9 GW from renewable energy and 8.8 GW from nuclear power. While thermal power continues to play a dominant role, accounting for about 240 GW or just over 50 per cent of capacity, the steady rise of renewables reflects a deliberate shift in long-term planning. India has already emerged as a global leader in renewable energy capacity and has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
According to Jabraj Singh, this transition places new demands on the transmission and distribution ecosystem. The power grid is no longer just a carrier of electricity but a high-capacity highway for clean energy. Integrating large volumes of solar and wind power requires robust transmission corridors, advanced forecasting, and flexible systems that can manage variability. Initiatives like “One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency” have played a critical role in creating a unified national grid, reducing regional imbalances and improving overall reliability. This integration has also helped stabilise power prices and minimise deficits across states.
Decentralised energy solutions are also emerging as an important pillar of inclusion. In remote and tribal areas, solar microgrids and standalone renewable systems are providing reliable local power where traditional grid extension is challenging. Schemes such as PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana are empowering farmers and households by reducing electricity costs and turning the farm sector into an energy contributor rather than just a consumer. Such initiatives strengthen energy security at the grassroots level while supporting livelihoods.
Beyond infrastructure, the power sector’s expansion has wide-ranging economic and social benefits. Reliable electricity supports labour-intensive industries, MSMEs, and critical infrastructure, while also generating employment across construction, manufacturing, and clean energy segments. Corporate Social Responsibility efforts by organisations in the sector further extend this impact through healthcare, skill development, and community infrastructure.
As Jabraj Singh observes, “India’s power grid today stands as one of the strongest foundations of inclusive growth.” By connecting villages and megacities through a resilient, modern, and increasingly green network, the grid is not only powering homes and industries but also shaping a more balanced and sustainable development story for the country.
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