Expand power infrastructure to meet future needs: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister conducts high-level review of Energy Department’s functioning-Photo Credit CG/PR

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday January 29, 2026 conducted a high-level review of the functioning of the Energy Department with senior officials at the Mahanadi Bhavan Secretariat.

During the meeting, he reviewed the progress of power generation, transmission, distribution, and the implementation of Central and State government schemes, and issued necessary instructions.

The Chief Minister said that electricity is a basic necessity for the common man, and its uninterrupted supply is the government’s top priority. Chhattisgarh is among the leading power-producing states in the country, and in view of the increasing demand in the future, it is essential to expand the energy infrastructure in a timely manner.

He directed that off-grid electrified villages be connected to the grid as soon as possible and that the strengthening of power infrastructure be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

CM Sai termed the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme a significant step towards energy self-reliance and emphasised the need to increase awareness among consumers about it. He directed that the process of solar panel installation and maintenance be simplified, the daily number of installations be increased, and solar panels be installed on all government buildings. He also instructed that a special campaign be launched to dispel misconceptions related to the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme and smart meters.

The Chief Minister reviewed the pending electricity bills and directed that a special action plan be prepared to provide opportunities and facilities to consumers for payment. He also emphasised accelerating grid-based electrification in the remote areas of Bastar, increasing renewable energy generation capacity, and expanding transmission capacity to match peak demand.

The meeting was informed that in the last two years, the transformer capacity has increased from 24,227 MVA to 27,820 MVA, and several projects, including the upgradation of 400/220 kV, 220/132 kV, and 132/33 kV substations, are in progress.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the Solar Sujala Yojana, Kusum Yojana, Niyad Nella Nar, and other village electrification schemes.

The Secretary of the Energy Department, Dr. Rohit Yadav, gave a presentation on schemes related to power generation, transmission, distribution, PM Suryaghar, PM Janman, electrification of agricultural pumps, electrification of remote villages, and renewable energy. He also presented the action plan for various development works in the coming years, including the establishment of new substations, increasing the number of distribution transformers, and laying underground cables.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat, and senior officials from CSPDCL, CSPGCL, and CSPTCL.