New Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 has been released by government

Current Context: On 21 January 2026, the Government of India released the Draft National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026, setting a roadmap for the country’s power sector in line with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

• The policy places strong emphasis on nuclear energy, including the adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), alongside a continued push for renewables, hydro, and energy storage systems to ensure grid stability.
• It proposes automatic tariff revisions and reduced cross‑subsidies for industries and railways to make electricity more competitive and financially sustainable.
• The draft also sets ambitious consumption targets of 2,000 kWh per capita by 2030 and 4,000 kWh by 2047, while aligning with India’s climate commitments of reducing emission intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieving net‑zero by 2070.
• Overall, NEP 2026 aims to balance growth, sustainability, and universal energy access, marking a significant step toward a modernized and resilient power sector.

Question:

Q.1 What is the per capita electricity consumption target set for India by 2047 under National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026?
a) 4,000 kWh
b) 3,500 kWh
c) 5,000 kWh
d) 4,500 kWh

Answer: a) By 2047, NEP 2026 envisions India reaching 4,000 kWh per capita, comparable with developed economies.