Editor’s Note
This article highlights Uttar Pradesh’s significant progress in rural electrification, a cornerstone of the state’s development agenda. It details the transition from pre-2017 power shortages to widespread household connections, supported by a substantial budgetary allocation for the energy sector.
Lucknow.
Villages in Uttar Pradesh, which were struggling with electricity shortages before 2017, are now shining brightly. The Yogi government has made rural electrification the foundation of development and has systematically achieved the goal of providing electricity to every household. Household electricity connections have been ensured. In the state government’s 2026-27 budget, an allocation of Rs 65,926 crore has been proposed for the power sector.
Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, the transmission and distribution network in rural areas has been strengthened. Dilapidated lines have been replaced and new substations have been established. Subsequently, under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana’, millions of families have been provided with free electricity connections. This is visibly changing the picture of rural life. Villages are now receiving uninterrupted electricity not only for domestic lighting but also for agriculture and small-scale industries.
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, the distribution system in villages is being further strengthened. Old conductors are being replaced, low-tension AB cables are being laid, and transformer capacities are being increased. Smart metering is also being rapidly implemented to curb electricity theft and improve the quality of supply. These steps have reduced the problem of low voltage in rural areas, and consumers are receiving adequate electricity.
The direct benefit of rural electrification is being seen in the fields of farming and self-employment. Improved electricity supply for irrigation has led to an increase in crop production. Dairy, cold storage, flour mills, welding, and other small businesses receiving continuous electricity have increased employment opportunities in villages. Improvements are also being seen in education and health services, as schools and health centers no longer have to struggle with power shortages.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said this on several occasions. Experts believe that a robust power infrastructure will further empower the state’s rural economy in the long term.
In the financial year 2025-26, up to December 2025, an average of 20 hours of uninterrupted power supply has been ensured in rural areas of the state, 22 hours at tehsil headquarters, and 24 hours at district headquarters. From April 1, 2022, to the year 2025-26, a total of 2,410 new 33/11 kV electrical substations have been constructed and capacity has been enhanced in the state. Additionally, 20,924 new distribution transformers have been installed and the capacity of 85,684 transformers has been increased.