The article emphasizes the importance of engaging with states in India's energy transition. The article highlights that aligning plans and actions of the central government and states is crucial for effective implementation. An effective transition requires multi-scalar planning and execution strategy, consideration of inter-linkages and implications, and cross learning. The article argues that considering state contexts, capabilities, and priorities is necessary for a successful energy transition:

• realisation of national targets and goals often depends on how they are aligned with State priorities and capabilities.
• legacy issues in the electricity sector, such as high losses, unreliable supply and service quality are embedded in the State political economy and must be addressed at the State level.
• states serve as laboratories of policy innovations that have been instrumental to India’s energy transition.

The article suggests the development of a state-level framework to understand plans, actions, and governance processes. This framework would promote transparency, stakeholder participation, and evidence-based policy choices, ultimately expediting the energy transition in India.

This article was published in The Hindu on 7 June 2023.