The History of Electrification In India

Look around you. You are surrounded by electricity. Lights, fans, air-conditioners, washing machines, fridges and even reading devices all work on electricity or electrical charge. Without electricity, our lives would be very different. AMRITA GANERIWALLA, a class 12 student of Bombay International School, Mumbai, tells you how electricity changed India.

Did you know, princely states like Hyderabad and Mysore got electricity even before Bombay (now Mumbai), Delhi and Bangalore (now Bengaluru)? In Hyderabad, electricity was introduced in 1901. 30 years after that, electricity transmission systems consisted of six mains carrying currents of 6,600 volts. In the next 30 years, 66 substations were introduced. The residents of Hyderabad started using electricity for household lighting because of the New Power House, which was installed in 1927. The government encouraged people to apply for electric connections, and the resulting increase in demand led to a reduced rate per unit. As a result, many more people began to apply for connections.

In Mysore, electric supply began in 1902 after the Sivasamudram Project was completed. This was India's first hydroelectric power station and is located on the Cauvery River. It was commissioned by the Diwan of Mysore, Sir K Seshadri lyer. The generated power was used in the Kolar Gold Fields. In 1911, the government funded an extension of the project. The already existing system produced 11,000kW and with the extension, 14,300kW of power could be produced.

Soon Bombay had electricity. Failure to implement electric lighting in areas like Crawford Market led the Bombay Electric Supply and Tramways Company to develop the first generation station in Bombay in November 1905. It supplied power to tramways and official and domestic spaces. The capacity of the station was over 4,300kW and it lasted till 1908. Then, the tramways started expanding, which resulted in a growing need for electricity and power. In 1912, a factory was set up in Mazgaon, which was of higher capacity. However, high prices of electricity resulted in unequal distribution of electricity. To increase supply, hydropower plants were set up in Khopoli, Bhivpuri and Bhira. The increased use of electricity in Bombay influenced other parts of Maharashtra like Yeola and Bulsar.