Patna: Bihar’s energy sector marked 2024 as a year of transformative achievements, laying a robust foundation for delivering uninterrupted, affordable, and sustainable power to its citizens. Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav highlighted key accomplishments and ambitious targets for 2025 during his annual review.
Speaking on the achievements, Yadav emphasized the government’s commitment to providing quality electricity services under schemes like the Chief Minister Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayata Yojana, which approved Rs. 15,343 crore in subsidies for 2024-25. Notably, farmers benefitted from a 92% subsidy on electricity for agricultural use, reducing costs to just Re. 0.55 per unit, making irrigation ten times cheaper than diesel.
Under the Chief Minister Agriculture Electricity Connection Scheme, 1.5 lakh free agricultural connections were issued ahead of schedule in December 2024, with plans to extend this initiative further. Additionally, the solarization of agricultural feeders has been prioritized, alongside the construction of separate agricultural feeders.
Renewable Energy Milestones
Significant strides were made in renewable energy projects, including the construction of a 254 MW battery storage and a 185 MW solar project in Kajra, Lakhisarai, as well as a 10 MW floating solar plant in Nawada’s Phulwaria reservoir. Solar plants with a total capacity of 94.34 MW were installed on over 10,000 government buildings, while private buildings saw the installation of 21 MW of rooftop solar capacity.
For 2025, the state aims to complete the Kajra battery storage project and finalize solar initiatives, including canal bank and floating solar projects, to bolster its green energy portfolio.
Infrastructure and Distribution
The year 2024 saw the energization of seven new grid substations, bringing the total to 170, including three in Patna equipped with advanced Gas Insulated Switchgear technology. The state also achieved a record power supply of 8,005 MW and reduced distribution losses to 19.91%, down from 59% in 2005.
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, 465 dedicated agricultural feeders were established, and over 31,000 circuit kilometers of distribution lines were upgraded. For the first time, both state distribution companies reported financial self-reliance and a profit, resulting in a reduction of Re. 0.15 per unit in electricity costs for consumers.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Bihar plans to energize its first 400 kV grid substation in Bakhtiyarpur and expand renewable energy projects in pump storage systems and green hydrogen. The Energy Department is committed to supporting investors in these ventures, with agreements for renewable energy projects dominating the Bihar Business Connect 2024.
Energy Minister Yadav reiterated the department’s dedication to delivering affordable and reliable electricity while advancing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision for a sustainable and energy-secure Bihar.
