Ashwani Tripathi, Jagran Dehradun: For the energy sector of Uttarakhand, the year 2025 was not just a calendar year but an important milestone for strengthening the energy system and preparing for the future. Throughout the year, entities involved in power generation, transmission, distribution and regulation moved forward with a common objective.
These coordinated efforts strengthened the energy security of the state, set the direction for the expansion of renewable energy and laid a solid foundation for consumer interest protection. Preparations were made to meet future needs by including solar energy and battery energy storage systems in the energy portfolio along with conventional hydropower.
In view of the increasing demand, a detailed outline for strengthening the transmission and distribution network was also prepared throughout the year. At the regulatory level, decisions to encourage investment and accelerate renewable energy while maintaining tariff balance were among the major achievements of the year. Through increasing acceptance of solar rooftop, expansion of community solar projects and new energy policies, a strong foundation was laid to make Uttarakhand a self-reliant energy state by the year 2025.
transmission of energy in the energy sector
Foundation of transmission infrastructure in view of future demand
In the year 2025, Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited took a decisive initiative towards adapting the power transmission system of the state to the future needs. Keeping in view the increasing power load, industrial activities and absorption of renewable energy, priority was given to expansion of high capacity transmission network.
Focus on 220 KV to 400 KV network expansion
Under transmission strengthening, DPRs of projects related to 220 KV to 400 KV transmission lines, new GIS substations and capacity enhancement of existing substations were prepared and submitted for regulatory approval. This provided long-term strength to the state's transmission infrastructure.
Strong transmission system in disaster-vulnerable state
Along with network upgradation, the operation and maintenance system was also strengthened. Technical upgradation of old lines, increase in capacity of transformers and adoption of GIS technology in urban areas made the transmission system more safe and reliable.
Coordination of solar and storage with hydro
The year 2025 was a year of production stability and energy diversification for Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited. The energy portfolio was balanced by combining solar power and battery energy storage systems with conventional hydropower.
Production target and increase in solar capacity
UJVNL sets production target of 5212 million units for the year 2025-26. The Corporation's operated solar capacity during the same period reached about 45 MW, while about 117 MW of solar projects were planned for the future.
Battery energy storage for grid stability
DPR prepared for 60 MW/150 MW-hour capacity battery energy storage system at three locations for better integration of renewable energy and peak load management. This gave new strength to grid stability.
Expanding consumer-centric delivery systems
Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited ensures reliable power supply to approximately 29 lakh consumers in the year 2025. Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, solar rooftops were installed on more than 14 thousand houses, which added 50 MW solar capacity.
Efficiency in smart meter, AI and disaster management
Smart metering, feeder automation, digital billing and integration of IT-OT systems were promoted in the distribution sector. AI-based monitoring improved outage management and load forecasting, while also strengthening disaster recovery capabilities.
Towards self-reliance through renewable energy policies
Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency pioneered solar rooftop, community solar projects and subsidy schemes for farmers. With the approval of Geothermal Energy Policy 2025, the state took concrete steps towards hydro-solar-storage based energy model.
Geographic risk and infrastructure pressure in the transmission sector
The biggest challenge of energy transmission in Uttarakhand is related to mountainous geography and disaster sensitivity. Transmission lines and substations are frequently damaged due to landslides, floods, floods and earthquakes. Repairs and restoration in hard-to-reach areas take more time and cost, affecting supplies.
Along with this, increasing power demand, industrial expansion and absorption of renewable energy have increased the need for high capacity transmission networks. Technological upgradation of many aging transmission components and construction of new lines is hampered by challenges such as time-bound approvals and land availability.
Environment, uncertainty and grid balancing
The state's generation structure is primarily based on hydropower, which depends on monsoon and water availability. Changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change lead to fluctuations in production.
Large hydropower projects have to go through processes like environmental clearance, public hearings and social consent, which leads to delays and cost overruns in the projects.
At the same time, with the increase in the share of renewable sources like solar energy, grid stability has emerged as a new challenge. There is an ever-increasing need for battery energy storage and advanced grid management technologies to balance generation uncertainty.
Inaccessible supplies, financial pressures and technological changes
The biggest challenge in the distribution sector is to ensure 24×7 power supply to remote and border areas. Due to low consumer density, distribution costs remain high in these areas. Apart from this, technical and commercial losses, subsidy burden and delay in payment cycle continue to put financial pressure on distribution companies.
The need for skilled human resources and continuous training to adopt modern technologies like smart metering, digital billing, AI based monitoring and smart grid is also a major challenge. Maintaining rapid fault restoration and supply restoration during a disaster is also a major test for the distribution system.
Also read- Chief Minister Dhami transferred Rs 12.89 crore to the accounts of 4224 workers, information about every scheme will be available here.
Also read- CM Dhami warned the officers, said – Officers should be visible in the field, not in the files.