Why does shortfall of energy aggravate in the summer months?

During summer our average consumption of energy increases considerably. This is because of the increase in usage of energy consuming devices like fans / air conditioners, etc. In addition to this, the total generation capacity goes down on account of less generation by hydroelectricity.
As an average citizen, how can I help the government during this crisis?

Every citizen can help the government in a small or big way. First and foremost by conserving energy. Secondly by generating energy in a decentralised manner. This could be in a smaller way to suffice small energy demands of your household.

What are the points of conservation and generation one needs to remember?
Each unit of electricity saved is equivalent to each unit generated. Use all the electrical equipment only when required. Remove the plugs of the equipment from the socket when not in use. Try to use CFLs instead of bulbs. Install solar water heating system rather than using electric geyser. We can reduce the demand on the grid by more than 3 KW by using solar water heating systems rather than conventional instant geysers. A whopping 3000 KW energy demand in the morning can be reduced with 1000 households not switching on geysers. This saved energy can be used for basic requirements of areas of the state where there is tremendous power shortage.  

 Decentralised power generation for captive use can be done using solar photo voltaic modules. These modules should be mounted in shadow free areas like terrace of buildings, balconies, etc, in order to generate power from sunlight. This generated electricity is exactly similar to what we get from distribution companies which is used to run our fans or use CFLs for lighting.

 What are the advantages of individuals using solar modules for power generation?

 The decentralised power generation system using solar modules has the following advantages:
Power gets consumed at the place of generation hence there is no distribution loss. The power generated from solar modules is clean and green.This means there are no harmful gases which are exhausted during generation. Hence we contribute to a cleaner and greener environment. Our dependence on state utility supplier is minimised.

 Is the solar powered equipment affordable for common people?
An individual who can afford to buy a flat, four wheeler or entertainment equipment can definitely afford to buy solar powered equipment. A single solar module based home lighting system with optional DC fan can cost you around Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000. This equipment is your personal power generating system without recurring cost and minimal maintenance.

 How can housing societies utilise this source of energy generation?
Societies can also chip in by using solar powered street lights which can be used in common areas of the society. They could also use mini solar power generating equipment like pathway lighting, parking lights, staircase lighting and even battery charging of inverters.

 Is this too costly to be used in housing societies?
One solar power streetlight can cost the society around Rs 35,000. But by making this investment, these streetlights can become independent from the state supply board and run everyday from dusk to dawn. They would not require any underground cabling.

Maintenance will not be required since the power shall be generated by the solar module placed at the top of the streetlight.

Will the investment made by an individual for inverter go waste if solar powered equipment is installed?
No, the existing inverters along with the battery can be used while installing solar power generation equipment. Solar modules can be used to charge the battery rather than using grid power to do so. This way we also save power on account of not converting AC power to DC and again DC to AC for consumption.