The ministry is charged with overseeing electricity production and infrastructure development, including generation, transmission, and delivery, as well as maintenance projects.
The ministry acts as a liaison between the central government and state electricity operations, as well as with the private sector. The ministry also oversees rural electrification projects.
Roles & Responsibilities
1. Power Plant Construction
- Oversees planning, approval, and construction of thermal, hydro, and gas‑based power plants.
- Sets technical standards and grants clearances via the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) under the Electricity Act, 2003
- Coordinates with NTPC, NHPC, and other PSUs to execute large-scale generation projects
2. Electricity Transmission & Grid Infrastructure
- Approves and supervises the construction of high-voltage transmission lines and grid infrastructure using CEA’s technical standards
- Works with Power Grid Corp., POSOCO/Grid‑India, and regional load despatch centres (RLDCs/NLDC) to develop and maintain a robust national grid
3. Hydropower and Border Infrastructure
- Promotes construction of hydropower stations, including fast-tracked projects in strategic zones like Arunachal Pradesh
- The ministry-coordinated funding and execution of 11.5 GW across 12 plants via NHPC, SJVNL, and NEEPCO
4. Rural Electrification and Distribution Network
- Facilitates construction of rural electrification infrastructure—distribution lines, substations, meters—as part of national rural power schemes .
- Empowers workforce through the Power Sector Skill Council (PSSC) to handle overhead/underground systems and meter installations
5. Technical Standards & Safety
- CEA issues technical norms for plant design, line construction, connectivity, and safety
- CEA reviews hydroelectric construction proposals ensuring drinking water, irrigation, flood control, and navigation aspects are integrated
List of PSUs/Agencies under Ministry of Power
- National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
- National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
- Power grid corporation of India Limited (PGCIL)