The proliferation of EVs could make decarbonization harder to achieve
EVs look set to use more power than the country can clean. To solve this problem, electric cars will require solar roofs so that they can charge while parked in the sun, even as we push for a cleaner electricity grid, use battery swapping to minimize surge charging and encourage public transport. Key Points
mintChatGPT consumes 17,000 times more electricity than an average US household daily
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a huge electricity guzzler, raising concerns about its environmental impact. OpenAI's popular generative AI - ChatGPT - alone is estimated to consume over half a million kilowatt-hours daily in order for it to respond to about 200 million user requests daily, as per a report. Key Points
India Todayelectricity scam: 77-year-old man loses Rs 3 lakh from bank even though he did not share OTP
A 77-year-old man became a victim of a sophisticated electricity scam, losing around Rs 3 lakh. The scam, carried out by an individual posing as a representative from the electricity provider, targeted the elderly man. Here is what happened. Key Points
India TodayInstallation of rooftop solar units now easier & quicker
The government has amended the electricity rules to exempt households from a technical feasibility study for power systems up to 10 kW capacity. Consumers can obtain separate electricity connections for charging electric vehicles. The time frame for obtaining a new electricity connection has been reduced. An additional meter will be installed for verifying consumption and ensuring accuracy in billing. Key Points
Economic TimesWhy surge pricing can spark a brighter future for solar power
A consistent level of electricity into the night involves a very high escalation of cost. The use of a price system might offer a better solution. Key Points
ThePrint
The unusual electricity trends of 2023, explained
While power demand typically peaks in the summer, this year’s cooler summer and drier monsoon delayed it to 1 September. But due to the late rains last month, electricity use dropped 7.8% since August for the biggest month-on-month drop in a year. Key Points
mintPower minister’s stress on improving work culture in electricity department
Employees of the power department need to have better approach to work and better behaviour towards the consumers while ensuring dedication to work. The need of the hour is decentralized system of working for required improvement in services provided by the electricity department, said the minister.. Key Points
Hindustan TimesIt's traffic challans vs power cuts as 2 Kerala departments fight tooth and nail
The MVD used the recently installed AI cameras to catch traffic violations in Wayanad district from this office. The electricity connection was eventually restored after the MVD made the payment from their emergency fund. Key Points
India TodayKarnataka bandh on June 22, industry body KCCI protesting against power tariff hike
The Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has said that the increases in power tariffs are “abnormal” and has asked all trade and industry to close their establishments on 22 June. Many industry associations, including those from Mysore, Shivamoga, and Bellary, have also showed support for the movement. Despite the move by the KCCI, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) has yet to sign up. Key Points
Economic TimesPower Ministry asks states to withdraw any tax on generation of electricity, calls it illegal
The ministry said any tax / duty on generation of electricity, which encompasses all types of generation viz. thermal, hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, etc. is illegal and unconstitutional. Key Points
Financialexpress
Evening brief: Delhi minister Atishi says subsidised electricity will be stopped
Here are today’s top news, analysis, and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan Timeselectricity prices up by 5-10% in Mumbai and suburbs from today
The Maharashtra electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved a 10% electricity tariff increase for domestic consumers from 1 April, followed by an additional 17% hike from 1 April 2024. Four electricity distribution companies - Tata Power, Adani Electricity, Maharastra State electricity Distribution, and Brihanmumbai electricity Supply - will increase charges. Each company's tariff rates will increase by varying percentages between FY 2023-24 and 2024-25. Residential electricity rates will increase by up to 21% following the increases. Industrial electricity rates will increase by up to 17% in the same period. Key Points
Economic TimesCore sector output up 7.8% in January
Production of coal rose by 13.4%, natural gas by 5.3%, refinery products by 4.5%, fertilisers by 17.9%, cement by 4.6%, steel by 6.2% and electricity by 12% in last month. Key Points
mintThrough roofs, in drawing rooms: Delhi electric poles lose out to encroachment
According to data shared by sources in the discoms, 54 people, including children, died and 250 sustained burns due to electrocution between 2015 and 2022. Over 500 accidents, including fires, have been reported over the past few years due to encroachments. Key Points
The Indian ExpressConsumers can now save upto 20% in electricity bills with the new tariff rule
India's power tariffs are set to be up to 20% lower during solar hours and up to 20% higher during peak hours under new amendments to electricity rules. The changes are aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy and introduce time-of-day tariffs effective from April 2025 for all consumers except those engaged in agriculture. The move comes as solar power hits tariff parity with traditional electricity sources, and the costs of hydro, thermal and gas are shown in the varying prices of the new tariff structure. Key Points
Economic Times
Karnataka Congress promised free power, bus rides. People are demanding them right away
The Congress announced 200 units of free electricity every month as well as free bus rides for women if the party was voted to power in Karnataka. Some people expect the Congress to make good on their poll promises right away and are refusing to pay for electricity and bus rides. Key Points
India TodayBudget tries to find a counter to a potent weapon of the opposition
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's interim budget proposed a rooftop solar scheme called Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, providing 300 units of free electricity per month to 10 million households. This scheme aims to save households Rs 15,000-18,000 annually and promote solar power generation. It also creates entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. The grid-connected rooftop solar system will reduce burden on electricity distribution companies, lower fossil fuel usage, and contribute to India's renewable energy goals of 500 GW by 2030 and 50% non-fossil fuel power generation capacity. Key Points
Economic TimesPolicies and People | Solar: India doing well, but states must address barriers
Karnataka and Gujarat are making the most progress in preparedness and commitment to the transition to clean electricity. Laggard states need to shape up. Key Points
Hindustan Timeselectricity bill of Rs 7 lakh leaves Karnataka house owner shocked; Mescom admits ‘error’, issues revised bill
The Ullal-based consumer said that his electricity bill showed that 99,338 units of electricity were consumed and the bill was Rs 7.7 lakh. Key Points
The Indian ExpressThe Future of EV Charging is Bidirectional, If You Can Afford It
Idle electric vehicles could act as massive batteries for homes and the energy grid. But the technology to pull this off is tricky. Key Points
WIRED
Govt working on incentives to push electric cooking
“We do not have (much) gas reserves in our country, so we need to preserve gas and switch to electricity and this has to come from renewable sources. We are developing some models where affordability is the biggest issue to be tackled,” he said. Key Points
Financialexpresselectricity bill scam: 72-year-old man loses Rs 7.35 lakh after clicking on a link
In a distressing incident, a 72-year-old retired Intelligence Bureau officer from Mulund fell victim to a cyber fraud scam, losing Rs 7.35 lakhs after receiving a fake notice regarding pending electricity bills. Such scams have been happening for months and many people have been losing money. Here is what happened. Key Points
India TodayKumaraswamy blames contractor for power theft, says paid Rs 68,526 fine
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy responded to the power theft for Diwali allegations and said he was not aware about the incident. He said he had assigned the job to a contractor, who ended up stealing electricity. Key Points
India TodayNew electricity tariffs kick in, leave consumers in shock
As the new tariff revisions, which were approved by the Karnataka electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) in May, came into effect and started reflecting in the bills generated this month, many citizens were left in a state of shock or confusion. Many took to social media to air out their confusion about seeing over a 30-50% increase in their Bangalore electricity Supply Company (Bescom). Key Points
The Hindu'Electricity will not be given for free': Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in state assembly
The Opposition had been demanding at least 200 units of free electricity to 94 lakh families who earn less than Rs 6,000 a month. The demand was first raised by Sandeep Saurav, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation's MLA. Key Points
Business Today
At least 27 killed by 'disastrous' Hurricane Otis as Mexico counts cost
At least 27 were killed by 'disastrous' Hurricane Otis while four others are missing. As per the government of Mexico, this is one of the most powerful storms to hit the country. Downed phone service and electricity lines made it hard for officials to quickly assess the extent of the damage. Key Points
Economic Times