The choice before energy policymakers is stark - we can either choose a carefully thought-out strategy of responsible demand-side management and sustainable energy supply options, or allow things to drift by projecting an unlimited energy demand, and face all the associated serious consequences through the continued use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.

A growing number of renewables based off-grid solution providers in Bihar area working with villagers who have inadequate grid access and with commercial and industrial consumers facing poor grid reliability. Some of these consumers, who resorted to the use of expensive diesel generator (DG) sets, now report that renewable-based-off-grid solutions have reduced operational costs and environmental emissions.

About 85 km from Tehri Dam, one of the highest in the world, is a small village, Agunda, in Uttarakhand. It is like any other village in the hilly state except that it boasts its own power station. The village community operates and runs a 40 kW micro hydro power project.