Patna: Bihar, a state that once languished in energy scarcity, is now stepping onto the global stage to share its remarkable electricity success story. The state has been invited to the prestigious Asia Clean Energy Forum, a four-day event commencing today, June 2, in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
Mahendra Kumar, Managing Director of South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL), is representing Bihar at the summit. He will present to international delegates the profound transformation in Bihar’s power sector over the past two decades.
“Fourteen distribution companies from India have been invited to this summit,” Kumar stated, “comprising two government and 12 private entities. Bihar is one of the two government companies.”
Through a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, Bihar’s electricity utility will detail its journey from consuming a mere 700 megawatts (MW) of electricity two decades ago to currently exceeding eight thousand MW. The presentation will highlight the state’s success in:
- Providing electricity to every village.
- Ensuring electricity connections for all interested individuals in every village.
- Extending power facilities to challenging riverine, hilly, and otherwise inaccessible areas.
Pioneering Smart Meters and Green Energy
A key focus of Bihar’s presentation will be its pioneering role in the adoption of smart prepaid meters. The state holds the distinction of being the first in the country to install such meters, and currently boasts the highest number of smart prepaid meters nationwide.
Furthermore, Bihar has made significant strides in the field of non-conventional (renewable) energy. The MD of SBPDCL will also inform other countries about various other parameters where Bihar has set national records, underscoring the “power revolution” that has taken place in a state which, just two decades ago, was largely reliant on lanterns but now enjoys power surplus.
