Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday conducted a high-level review of the Energy Department and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted, quality and affordable electricity for every citizen. Stressing that the power sector is crucial for the state’s economic, industrial and social development, he instructed officials to modernize electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems while accelerating reforms across the sector.
The Chief Minister said the government is committed to providing 24×7 reliable power supply across both urban and rural areas. He asked officials to strengthen power infrastructure, expand transmission networks and adopt advanced technologies to meet the state’s growing energy demand. He also emphasized the need for prompt resolution of power outages and consumer complaints through an efficient grievance redressal system.
Three New Smart Grids Planned for Ranchi
During the review meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that three new smart grids will be established in Ranchi at Kusai Colony, Bariatu and Itki. Several new power substations will also be developed to strengthen the state’s electricity distribution network.
According to officials, the smart grid project will integrate advanced technologies into the distribution system, enabling better power quality, real-time monitoring, efficient load management and faster response to technical faults. The initiative is expected to improve the reliability of electricity supply while enhancing operational efficiency.
Ensuring Benefits of Free Electricity Scheme
Chief Minister Soren directed the department to ensure that all eligible consumers receive the benefits of the state’s 200 units of free electricity scheme in a transparent and efficient manner.
He instructed officials to simplify beneficiary identification and implementation processes so that no eligible household is deprived of the scheme. The department was also asked to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and resolve complaints related to the scheme promptly.
The Chief Minister noted that the initiative has already provided financial relief to lakhs of families and stressed the importance of creating greater public awareness to maximize its reach.
Focus on Sikidiri Hydel Plant Modernization
Reviewing the Sikidiri Hydroelectric Power Project, the Chief Minister directed officials to conduct a comparative assessment of the efficiency of existing and newly installed machines to optimize power generation.
He emphasized adopting modern energy-efficient technologies to increase electricity production while minimizing water consumption. Officials were instructed to prepare a comprehensive technical report on upgrading the plant with advanced equipment capable of improving operational performance and cost efficiency.
Push for Floating and Rooftop Solar Projects
Highlighting the state’s renewable energy potential, Soren directed officials to accelerate the implementation of floating solar projects and expand rooftop solar installations across government and private buildings.
He said Jharkhand should make better use of its reservoirs for floating solar power generation and prepare a long-term strategy for expanding solar capacity. The Chief Minister stressed that renewable energy would play a significant role in strengthening the state’s power infrastructure while promoting clean and sustainable development.
Solar Farming to Boost Farmers’ Income
The Chief Minister also proposed promoting solar farming on barren and unused land to generate additional income for farmers while increasing renewable energy production.
He instructed officials to develop a comprehensive plan that includes subsidies, technical assistance and an effective procurement mechanism for purchasing electricity generated by farmers through solar installations. The initiative aims to create a sustainable source of income for rural households while supporting the state’s clean energy goals.
Modern Transmission Infrastructure
Soren emphasized the modernization of Jharkhand’s electricity transmission network by encouraging the use of monopole structures instead of conventional four-pole systems, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
He said the adoption of compact and advanced transmission technologies would reduce land requirements, improve safety standards and enhance the reliability of power infrastructure. Officials were also directed to ensure proper alignment, maintenance and strict compliance with safety norms to minimize accidents and service disruptions.
AI-Based Monitoring and Smart Metering
The Chief Minister called for greater use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the power sector, directing officials to develop AI-based monitoring systems for electricity supply, project implementation, complaint management and service delivery.
He said AI-driven monitoring would improve transparency, accountability and operational efficiency while enabling quicker decision-making and better consumer services.
Recruitment Drive to Fill Vacancies
One of the major decisions taken during the review meeting was to expedite recruitment across the Energy Department and its affiliated organizations.
The Chief Minister directed officials to complete the recruitment process for 35 percent of vacant posts in the first phase after completing the necessary administrative and legal formalities. He also instructed the department to place the recruitment proposal before the Cabinet at the earliest to avoid unnecessary delays.
According to Soren, filling vacant positions is essential for improving departmental efficiency and ensuring better services for electricity consumers across the state.
Uninterrupted Power for Hospitals
Recognizing the importance of uninterrupted electricity in healthcare facilities, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure 24-hour power supply to all government hospitals and major health institutions.
He stressed that electricity is directly linked to patient care and life-saving medical services, making uninterrupted supply non-negotiable.
Stronger Consumer Grievance System
The Chief Minister also directed the department to strengthen its consumer grievance redressal mechanism. He called for more responsive helplines, improved online complaint platforms and efficient public service centers to ensure time-bound resolution of electricity-related issues.
He said citizens should not face unnecessary inconvenience for resolving routine electricity problems and asked officials to establish a robust system capable of addressing complaints quickly and transparently.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Energy Secretary K. Srinivasan, Energy Transmission Corporation Managing Director K.K. Verma, Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited Managing Director Anil Verma, Additional Secretary Mustakeem Ansari, Joint Secretary Anant Kumar, Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam General Manager (Personnel and General Administration) Shailesh Kumar Singh, along with senior officials from the Energy Department and its associated corporations.
Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers from regional offices also participated in the review meeting through digital mode.
The review underscored the Jharkhand government’s focus on strengthening power infrastructure, expanding renewable energy, improving consumer services and ensuring efficient governance in the energy sector to support the state’s long-term development goals.
