Assam is on the brink of a power industry revolution, driven by sustainability, innovation, and economic growth under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The state’s power sector has transformed into one of India’s most resilient energy infrastructures, fueling industrial progress as power demand exceeds 2800 MW this year.
The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has maintained three years of uninterrupted 24-hour power supply and earned an ‘A’ rating in the Government of India’s 13th Integrated Ratings Report for FY 2023-24, ranking 8th among 44 state discoms. APDCL also secured 10th position in the Consumer Service Rating of Discoms (CSRD) report, underscoring Assam’s commitment to efficient power delivery. To further strengthen its energy infrastructure, the Assam government has allocated ₹30,000 crore for projects, including 200+ new substations, 17,000 km of transmission lines, and 37 new grid substations to expand transmission capacity from 4,500 MVA to 15,000 MVA. On the generation front, Assam is advancing clean energy initiatives, such as the 320 MW solar projects in Tezpur and Dhubri and the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project, set to launch by June 2025.
Aligned with the Hon. Prime Minister’s renewable energy vision, Assam is collaborating with central PSUs like NLCIL, SJVN, OTPC, and OIL to develop 6,500 MW of green power, boosting its green energy share to 40%. The Assam Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2025 (ICEP-2025) targets 10,000 MW renewable capacity by 2030, including a focus on the Green Hydrogen industry, aiming to produce 2,000 KTPA annually by 2030.
The $482 million Assam Distribution System Enhancement and Loss Reduction Project will further modernize the power distribution network, while the ₹8,740.75 crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) will promote smart metering and operational efficiency. Assam’s grassroots solar energy drive, PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, has already enabled 8,000 rooftop solar installations with a total capacity of 30 MW. With strategic investments, innovative policies, and a commitment to sustainability, Assam is positioning itself as a clean energy hub and an attractive destination for industrial investment. The state’s power sector continues to drive energy security, economic growth, and environmental resilience, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Also Read: Advantage Assam 2.0: Laying the foundations for a glorious Assam
Together, let’s build better.
Views Expressed by- SYEDAIN ABBASI, IAS Special Chief Secretary, Public Health Engineering, Water Resources, Irrigation, and Information Technology Departments, Government of Assam; and Chairman, Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (addl.) and Resident Representative, Government of Assam, New Delhi (addl.)