States hold the key to alternatives

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: New and renewable sources of energy can be effective tools to electrify remote villages where grid connectivity is not feasible. The Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) had identified 9,075 such villages in 24 states. But the progress so far is unsatisfactory: only 4,237 villages and 1,142 hamlets have been provided with electricity or lighting systems.

This is particularly significant, as the national rural electrification policies of 2006 had declared that providing electricity to all households by 2009 was its aim. It had also assured quality and reliable power supply at reasonable rates, and minimum lifeline consumption of one unit per household every day as a merit good by 2012.

New and renewable sources of energy can also electrify villages where grid connectivity is possible. According to data available until September 30, 2008 on a cumulative basis, new and renewable sources generated 13,450 mw of grid-interactive power, or 8% of the total power generating capacity of the coun-try at 1,44,912 mw. The assessed potential for grid-interactive renewable power is 88,142 mw.

Much can be achieved if the decentralised route for the generation and distribution of renewable power is followed. India, which is implementing one of the world’s largest programmes in renewable energy possesses this capability. Decentralised generation and distribution can resolve problems of banking, wheeling, third-party sale of power and minimise transmission & distribution losses. India ranks second in the world in biogas utilisation and fourth in wind power and photovoltaic production.

As the cooperation of state governments is vital to electrify remote village, four years ago the Union ministry of new & renewable energy launched a scheme to set up district advisory committees (DACs) for the promotion of renewable energy at the grassroots level. So far, 560 DACs have been set up in 34 states and Union territories, with the district collector as chairman and the project director of the district rural development authority as its member-secretary.

The membership of DACs consists of the zilla parishad CEO, general manager of the district industries centre, district forest officer, deputy director of social forestry, civil surgeon, district health officer, district information officer, district government pleader, chairman of the district bar council and representatives from local industry associations, NGOs and prominent citizens.

With a view to promoting renewable energy, the central government set up