The Assam government has placed the power sector at the centre of its economic strategy in the maiden Budget of the current term, the BJP state spokesperson said. He commended the Finance Minister for measures intended to boost energy security, modernise infrastructure and attract investment. The statement said rapid industrialisation and urbanisation had raised peak demand to about 2,842 megawatt (MW) and that average daily supply had overtaken the national norm, with 23.43 hours in urban areas and 23.09 hours in rural areas.\n\nThe party highlighted a scheme that has benefited more than 0.13 million (mn) consumers and noted that solar installations exceeding 430 MW have been commissioned. The Budget proposed an allocation of Rs 25,790 mn for the Power Department and envisaged a total investment of Rs 773,530 mn to close the demand supply gap. Distribution improvements include more than Rs 90,000 mn committed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.\n\nThe Government has initiated a portfolio of new generation projects, including a 70 MW solar installation at Bilasipara, a planned 3,200 MW thermal project in the district and a 2,700 MW pumped storage scheme to be implemented by the Adani Group. State planners have set a target of generating between 3,000 and 4,000 MW of solar power by 2030 and will develop sites in Sonitpur, Dibrugarh and Karbi Anglong. Several hydropower projects, such as the 120 MW Lower Kopili project, will be integrated into the grid.\n\nAn Rs 12,000 mn initiative will replace ageing low tension lines and lay thousands of circuit kilometres of new distribution lines to improve voltage stability and reduce transmission and distribution losses. The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited has accelerated smart meter deployment, instituted energy conservation measures across government offices and strengthened the distribution network. The administration has also digitised government to business services for electrical approvals and the Power Department has secured the top position in the National Energy Conservation Awards for the fifth consecutive year, signalling progress towards becoming a green energy hub in north-east India.