Patna: The Bihar government has announced that residents will continue to receive uninterrupted electricity supply, including during peak demand hours, amid rising summer temperatures and increased power consumption across the state.
The announcement was made on Tuesday after a public hearing programme at the state headquarters of the Janata Dal (United) in Patna.
Speaking to reporters, Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar said the state government had directed the Energy Department to ensure a continuous 24-hour power supply in all districts.
He said officials were closely monitoring electricity demand and supply patterns to prevent outages during the ongoing heatwave conditions.
Infrastructure Upgrades Underway
The minister said the government had strengthened electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to meet rising demand during the summer months.
According to the department, efforts are also being made to improve supply reliability in rural areas, where electricity infrastructure has historically remained weaker than in urban centres.
Kumar said the state’s power network had improved significantly in recent years and claimed that consumers were now receiving more stable electricity services across Bihar.
Government Warns Electricity Thieves
The Energy Minister also announced intensified action against electricity theft, describing it as a major source of financial loss for the state.
He said the department had launched continuous raids and enforcement drives against individuals and groups involved in illegal power connections and meter tampering.
“Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in electricity theft,” Kumar said, adding that such losses ultimately affect ordinary consumers and the overall power system.
Push for Solar Energy Expansion
During the interaction, the minister also reviewed the implementation of the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in Bihar.
He said the scheme was being expanded rapidly across the state and could benefit nearly 10 lakh economically weaker families in the coming years.
Under the programme, rooftop solar panels will be installed at households, particularly for families living below the poverty line. The government said the initiative aims to reduce electricity expenses while encouraging energy self-reliance.
Officials said the scheme could also help reduce pressure on the conventional power grid during high-demand periods.
NDA Confident Ahead of Council Polls
Separately, Bihar Science, Technology and Technical Education Minister Sheela Mandal, who also attended the public hearing, spoke about the upcoming Legislative Council elections.
She said the NDA alliance would contest the elections unitedly and expressed confidence about its electoral prospects.
Mandal also commented on women’s safety and empowerment in the state, saying Bihar had witnessed improvements in law and order and increased participation of women in education and employment over the past two decades.
She added that the state government continued to run schemes aimed at improving women’s economic independence and social security.
