Mapping Power: The Political Economy of Electricity in India’s States

by Navroz K. Dubash (editor)

Electricity is critical to enabling India’s economic growth and providing a better future for its citizens. In spite of several decades of reform, the Indian electricity sector is unable to provide high-quality and affordable electricity for all, and grapples with the challenge of poor financial and operational performance. To understand why, Mapping Power provides the most comprehensive analysis of the political economy of electricity in India’s states. With chapters on fifteen states by scholars of state politics and electricity, this volume maps the political and economic forces that constrain and shape decisions in electricity distribution. Contrary to conventional wisdom, it concludes that attempts to depoliticize the sector are misplaced and could worsen outcomes. Instead, it suggests that a historically grounded political economy analysis helps understand the past and devise reforms to simultaneously improve sectoral outcomes and generate political rewards. These arguments have implications for the challenges facing India’s electricity future, including providing electricity to all, implementing government reform schemes, and successfully managing the rise of renewable energy.

Genres: India

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2018

Reviews

[Harini Dedhia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read to understand the Indian Power Sector. Given that electricity is a subject on the concurrent list, each state has come with their own unique way of creating a mess in the sector and attempting to deal with the same. What is very interesting to see is how voters in the different states have reacted to power politics with West Bengal appreciating provision of infrastructure above all else and many others appreciating subsidising agricultural consumption. The in-depth study presented in a succinct format for each state makes this a very interesting read for someone delving into the power sector for the very first time.

[Deepak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable book especially if you are interested in the governance and political economy related to the sector.