Is there a solution of Power Shortage ?

I feel this is a systemic problem that has grown in size since our independence and needs to be worked out in stages rather than going full throttle in any direction:

Stage 1 (1-2years): IMPROVE THE EXISTING: Correct assessment of demand and supply of power: It is evident that there is huge shortfall between the demand and supply. The first step to reduce this deficit is to stop the illegal use of electricity. This will require tighter laws for the imposters who use illegal power. The house wise electric load should be formulated as it is done in a census. Illegal power usage should be dealt with extreme penalty and punishments that are equivalent to crimes related to thefts. Make it a kind of social stigma so that people are wary of this crime.

Stage 2 (2-5 yrs): ELEVATE THE SYSTEM: After there is a movement towards a responsible use of electricity, government should in parallel go for steps for leap bound increase in the electricity generation, this is a time taking exercise and hence there should be targets and milestones for every year irrespective of any government at centre. Nuclear power holds the potential and is an efficient way of generating the amount of electricity that the country requires today and tomorrow. Create a pool of nation wide power grid wherein every power generated is shared on the central grid and based upon demand and supply condition it should be allowed to be accessed. This should be ideally done by a private firm competent and experienced like Tata Power or Reliance. The power grid should be evaluated on the basis of mean time between failures and amount of energy losses. Inefficient grids should be operated on PPP model for enhancing efficiency.

Stage 3(5-10 yrs): MAINTAIN THE SYSTEM: Aim for nationwide electricity by 2020: We should provide quality electricity to the end of mile locations all over the country rather than providing free or subsidized power which is inefficient and inadequate. If farmers get the justified amount of electricity required, then its benefit would be enough that there can be an optimum charge for it. Backward sectors should be given preference in allocation of power projects that will generate employment and infrastructure development also in the area. FII's should be encouraged in this sector and government should provide tax sops to companies that own up the development to these areas.

I hope we start this work in time rather than just talking as it is the backbone for the holistic development of our country. The means to achieve this can suitably decided by the people in power at the center and states level but the agreement on the urgent need to do this and achieving the objective should be clear and should be actively followed.