Kolkata–The electricity generation from thermal, hydro, nuclear and import from Bhutan grew by 4.7 per cent to 1,159.83 billion units (BU) in 2016-17 as compared to 1,107.82 BU generated in the previous year, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The electricity generation target for 2016-17 was fixed as 1,178 BU, a growth of around 6.38 per cent over actual generation of 2015-16, said a Power Department statement.

According to the CEA report, during the last fiscal, thermal power generation grew by 5.34 per cent to 994.21 BU while hydro power generation was at 122.31 BU, up by 0.77 per cent.

Nuclear power generation increased by 0.67 per cent to 37.66 BU in 2016-17.

“The electricity generation in March only grew by 5.46 per cent 101.78 BU, exceeding the month’s target,” an official said on Saturday.

Generation during 2015-16 was 1,107.82 BU as compared to 1,048.673 BU generated during April- March 2015, representing a growth of about 5.64 per cent, the statement added.

According to Power Ministry, the energy deficit was 0.7 per cent in 2016-17, down from 2.1 per cent in the previous year. (IANS)