India’s electricity transition gains traction across 21 states, study finds

The 21 states account for 95% of India’s power demand.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis and Ember found that 21 states, which account for 95% of India's power demand, are progressing across transition dimensions. 

According to the third Indian States’ Electricity Transition report, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala led the decarbonisation dimension, with a higher renewable energy share in procurement and lower power sector emissions intensity.

Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan increased their scores in the State Energy Efficiency Index 2024.

Delhi and Haryana led in power ecosystem readiness and performance due to solar adoption, supply reliability, and distribution company (DISCOM) performance. Chhattisgarh also recorded a power shortage of 0.07% in fiscal year (FY) 2025.

Bihar installed 78% of sanctioned smart meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme as of March 2025, whilst Assam installed 46%.

Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan led the market enablers dimension, utilising renewable energy policies and green tariffs, according to a press release.

Electric vehicle adoption reached 11.6% in Delhi, 11% in Assam, and 8.2% in Bihar during FY2025. Bihar set a renewable energy target of 24GW by 2030 and implemented green tariff provisions.

The press release noted that West Bengal, Telangana, and Jharkhand remain at the start of the transition due to structural barriers, including institutional capacity and DISCOM finances.

Maharashtra and Rajasthan require distribution improvements and smart meter expansion, whilst Haryana and Himachal Pradesh require mobility transitions and energy storage capacity to meet transition goals.