9. Securing Cities for Energy Needs

Cities are critical for the development of any country. For cities to grow, securing energy supply is important. This chapter reviews the energy needs of Indian cities based on end uses (cooking, lighting, motive power, transport) and source (LPG, electricity, diesel, kerosene, biomass). Electricity accounts for more than 50 % of the supply mix in terms of primary energy for most cities. Daily and seasonal variations in the demand for electricity for Indian cities show morning and evening peaks (6 pm to 10 pm). The growth rates for electricity demand range between 5.1 and 10.6 % for a sample of 12 Indian cities. Most Indian cities face electricity shortages often dealt with by load shedding (curtailment of supply). The threats to energy security for cities include supply–demand mismatch, supply disruptions, market volatility, climate variations, etc. Possible responses to ensure energy security involve enhancement of renewable supply, energy efficiency and demand side management (DSM), smart grids, mass transit, zero energy buildings and sustainable urban design. Tracking the energy and carbon performance of cities in a transparent fashion is a prerequisite for planning future sustainable energy services for the city. Securing energy needs for cities would need changes in our approach to planning cities and implementing projects.