UP’s power surge: From 6GW to 8.3GW capacity, 24/7 urban supply fuels industrial boom | India News
NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh has made substantial strides in strengthening its power sector over the past eight years, expanding generation capacity, boosting electricity supply across regions, and nearly doubling the number of household connections under its ‘Roshan Pradesh’ vision aimed at achieving reliable and inclusive energy access.According to official data, the state’s total installed power generation capacity reached 8,325 megawatts (MW) in 2024–25, compared with 7,159 MW in 2016–17 — an increase of 1,166 MW in just eight years.This addition surpasses the capacity increase of 1,110 MW achieved over the entire 21-year period between 1995–96 and 2016–17.Total electricity generation also rose sharply, from 3,017 crore kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2016–17 to 3,566 crore kWh in 2024–25 — an addition of 548 crore kWh, exceeding the growth achieved in the 16 years before 2017. Officials said the improvement reflects higher operational efficiency and more effective utilisation of generation assets.
Industrial use doubles, signalling stronger growth
The jump in power availability has supported accelerated industrial activity. Average annual growth in industrial consumption more than doubled to 8.9 per cent between 2021–22 and 2024–25, compared with 4.1 per cent in the 2013–17 period. The government said this surge highlights growing investor confidence supported by stable power supply.Electrification expands to rural hinterlandUttar Pradesh also recorded a major leap in household and rural electrification. The number of electricity connections increased by 102 per cent, rising from 180.13 lakh in 2017 to 363.98 lakh in 2025, with around 184 lakh new connections added in eight years.Similarly, the number of electrified hamlets grew from 1.28 lakh in 2017 to 2.5 lakh by June 2025, doubling rural coverage and extending power access to many previously unserved settlements.
Reduced losses, longer supply hours
Enhanced grid management and administrative reforms led to a sharp reduction in transmission and distribution (T&D) losses—from 21.47 per cent in 2017 to 13.77 per cent in 2025. The decline of 7.7 percentage points is viewed as a key indicator of operational efficiency and better infrastructure performance.Power availability has also improved across all regions. Supply hours at district headquarters have increased from 17 hours in 2014–17 to 24 hours at present. Tehsil headquarters now receive over 21 hours of power daily, while rural areas get an average of 18 hours, up from 11 earlier. The improved reliability has been particularly beneficial to small businesses, agriculture, and daily life in rural households.
Energy at the core of development
Officials said these achievements underline Uttar Pradesh’s progress toward its ‘Roshan Pradesh’ target of ensuring round-the-clock, affordable, and quality power. Sustained improvements in generation, coverage, and efficiency have positioned energy as a critical enabler of the state’s broader economic and industrial growth strategy.
