Diu: First Indian UT to run 100% on solar energy
Congratulations are in order for Diu, which has become the first Indian Union Territory to be 100% powered by solar energy. Three years ago, it used to borrow electricity from the Gujarat government, incurring mammoth transmission losses and blown-up bills. Now with locally produced electricity via solar energy, the monthly household bills have fallen by 12%. Read on for more.
A Union Territory with energy surplus
Solar energy has helped Diu not only cut down electricity bills but also create surplus power. Spread across 42 square kilometers, the UT has solar power plants installed in over 50 acres, which generate about 13 megawatts electricity daily (3MW through rooftop plants, 10MW by others). However, electricity demand in Diu goes up to 7MW, thus creating plenty of surplus.
Reduced electricity bills a major relief for locals
Earlier, residents were charged Rs. 1.20/unit for using electricity between 0-50 units and Rs. 1.50/unit for consuming between 50-100 units. But ever since Diu became energy sufficient, the 0-50 units slab was removed by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Goa and the Union territories. Now the per unit charge for consuming between 1-100 units has been revised to Rs. 1.01/unit.
