Ground Water Market and Farmers' Perceptions for Electricity Tariff System in Uttarakhand - A Case Study

Abstract

The study area which is part of Upper Ganga basin is a densely populated region where ground water (GW) has become the mainstay of irrigated agriculture. However, the development of GW is taking place without scientific understanding and proper planning. Energy especially electricity, has contributed significantly to the development and exploitation of GW resources, improving productivity and enhancing livelihood options in the region. However, lack of appropriate energy policy has not only indirectly contributed to over exploitation of GW, creating a water -energy nexus but this has also resulted in economic inefficiency of electricity utilities, playing havoc with energy economy and seriously affecting the viability and reform process of energy sector. Uttarakhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission under Accelerated Power Development Reform Programme (APDRP) has initiated the process of meter installation for regular energy audit to assess transmission and distribution (T&D) losses and eliminate all power theft as soon as possible. The logic in support of metered tariff is obvious and unexceptionable. Several issues seem to be critical in case of transition from flat rate to actual metering of energy supply. In this study an attempt has been made to assess the power reform progress in Uttarakhand with special reference to Haridwar district, its impact on GW usage and productivity and to know the perception of farming community related to metering and flat tariff regime.