The power demand in Delhi will almost double in the next five years from average requirement of 4,500 MW to 8,700 MW,according to an estimate by the Central Electricity Authority. The Delhi government,following the projection by the CEA,is contemplating setting up more gas-based power plants with an aim to raise its own generation beyond 4,000 MW from the current 1,000 MW by 2017. In a report submitted to the Planning Commission identifying priority areas,the city government has also proposed to set up a separate entity to promote solar energy generation in a big way. The CEA estimate about the increase in power demand has been mentioned by the Delhi government in its recent report to the Planning Commission. The CEA is a statutory body which advises the government on matters relating to the National Electricity Policy and formulates short-term and perspective plans for the development of electricity systems. "The power demand is increasing very fast in the city. We are in the process of augmenting our own generation considering the future requirement," a senior official of power department said. At present,Delhi's power demand ranges from 4,100 MW to 4,900 MW,depending on the weather condition. The city gets 2,400 MW from central quota,while nearly 1,000 MW is produced by Delhi's own electricity generating stations.
