Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 released for consultation
The Ministry of Power released the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 on 21 January 2026; once final, it will replace the policy notified in 2005.
Summary
The Ministry of Power released the Draft National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026 for stakeholder consultation, aiming to transform the power sector for Viksit Bharat @2047. It will replace the first NEP, notified in February 2005. Since then installed capacity has grown fourfold, universal electrification was achieved by March 2021, a unified national grid became operational in December 2013, and per capita consumption reached 1,460 kWh in 2024-25. The draft targets per capita consumption of 2,000 kWh by 2030 and over 4,000 kWh by 2047, aligned with India's commitments to cut emissions intensity 45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net zero by 2070. It also proposes Resource Adequacy plans prepared by DISCOMs and SLDCs.
Key facts
- Released
- Ministry of Power, 21 January 2026
- Replaces
- National Electricity Policy notified February 2005
- Per capita use (2024-25)
- 1,460 kWh
- Targets
- 2,000 kWh by 2030; over 4,000 kWh by 2047
- Milestones cited
- Universal electrification Mar 2021; one national grid Dec 2013
- Climate link
- Emissions intensity −45% vs 2005 by 2030; net zero 2070
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The Draft National Electricity Policy 2026, once finalised, will replace the National Electricity Policy notified in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2005
PIB (Power): the draft will replace the existing NEP, which was notified in February 2005.
What per capita electricity consumption target for 2030 is set in the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 2,000 kWh
PIB (Power): the draft targets 2,000 kWh per capita by 2030 and over 4,000 kWh by 2047; consumption was 1,460 kWh in 2024-25.
Consider the following milestones cited in the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026: 1. A unified national grid became operational in December 2013. 2. Universal electrification was achieved by March 2021. 3. Per capita consumption crossed 2,000 kWh in 2024-25. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Power): the national grid became unified in December 2013 and universal electrification came by March 2021; per capita consumption in 2024-25 was 1,460 kWh, so statement 3 is wrong.