Power Minister Piyush Goyal has said the Government is focusing on a multi-pronged strategy to ensure increased electricity access. Addressing a function in New Delhi, Mr Goyal said, the overall strategy includes a focus on enhancing energy efficiency, thrust on renewable energy and ensuring sustainable growth. He said, the first priority is reaching power to the poorest of the poor in the country and exuded confidence of bringing electricity to all villages by next year.<br/><br/>On lowering industrial tariffs, the Minister said the effort is to address inefficiencies. He said, UDAY, the power sector reform, is expected to result in savings of Rs 1.8 lakh crore annually from 2019. These savings would provide headroom to bring down tariffs. He expressed confidence that India would meet the target of 20,000 MW of solar power by 2017 and the 100 gigawatts target of renewable energy by 2022. <br/><br/>Regarding international cooperation for global competitiveness and technology, Mr Goyal stated that dialogue with several countries including the US, Japan and Australia have moved from a Government to Government dialogue to a Government to business interface. The International Solar Alliance is a key initiative launched by India to seek cooperation at a global level. He said government is working on creating simply, reliable and friendly regulatory framework for the industrial fraternity because ultimately entrepreneurs will lead India into the path of development.

Power Minister Piyush Goyal has said the Government is focusing on a multi-pronged strategy to ensure increased electricity access. Addressing a function in New Delhi, Mr Goyal said, the overall strategy includes a focus on enhancing energy efficiency, thrust on renewable energy and ensuring sustainable growth. He said, the first priority is reaching power to the poorest of the poor in the country and exuded confidence of bringing electricity to all villages by next year.<br/> <br/>On lowering industrial tariffs, the Minister said the effort is to address inefficiencies. He said, UDAY, the power sector reform, is expected to result in savings of 1.8 crore rupees annually from 2019. These savings would provide headroom to bring down tariffs. He expressed confidence that India would meet the target of 20,000 MW of solar power by 2017 and the 100 gigawatts target of renewable energy by 2022. <br/>Regarding international cooperation for global competitiveness and technology, Mr Goyal stated that dialogue with several countries including the US, Japan and Australia have moved from a Government to Government dialogue to a Government to business interface. The International Solar Alliance is a key initiative launched by India to seek cooperation at a global level. He said government is working on creating simply, reliable and friendly regulatory framework for the industrial fraternity because ultimately entrepreneurs will lead India into the path of development.