Bihar has seen an extraordinary increase in energy demand and usage over the last two decades. In 2005, the state consumed 700 megawatts of electricity. By June 2025, this had increased by more than 12 times, reaching 8,428 megawatts. The Bihar Energy Department’s data shows a persistent rise in energy demand.
Under the Chief Minister’s Electricity Connection Assurance Scheme, all homes in the state were provided with electricity connections by October 2018, five months ahead of the initial target. The scheme was later rebranded as ‘Saubhagya’.
Per capita energy consumption has increased by roughly five times in the last 20 years. In 2012, per capita consumption was 134 kilowatt-hours; by 2014, this figure had risen to 160 kilowatt-hours. The number of electricity consumers has also experienced significant growth, rising by approximately 12.5 times. In 2005, Bihar had 1.7 million electricity consumers, a number that has grown to 21.4 million by 2025.
Today, almost every city and village in the state enjoys an average of 22-24 hours of electricity. Urban areas typically have power for 23-24 hours, while rural areas average 22-23 hours. In sharp contrast, in 2005, urban areas had power for 10-12 hours, and rural areas had only 5-6 hours. By 2012, power availability increased to 14-16 hours in urban areas and 8-10 hours in rural areas. In 2014, urban areas had electricity for 20-21 hours, while rural areas received 14-16 hours. The number of electrified villages has surged from 14,020 in 2005 to 39,073. Similarly, the number of electrified hamlets in 2025 reached 106,249.