The Government of India plans to develop green cities in every state by promoting solar rooftops, solar parks, waste to energy plants and electric mobility-enabled public transportation. On the same context, Union Minister of Power and NRE, Shri R.K Singh chaired a Review, Planning and Monitoring meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of Power/Energy Departments of the States and UTs and CMDs/MDs of power sector CPSUs on 17th December, 2021 in New Delhi
Shri R.K Singh, in his inaugural address, “underlined that the power sector has been brought forward a long way, by the current government. The country has become power surplus; we have connected the whole country into one grid, and strengthened the distribution system. These steps have increased the power availability to 22 hours in rural areas and 23.5 hours in urban areas.
The next step is to take it to 24*7 guaranteed power supply at an affordable price.” Further he stated “The availability of Power is fundamental to the Indian economy and our objective is to provide world class services and facilities for the citizens of this country.” The Minister also emphasized upon the manifold benefits of PM-KUSUM scheme primarily in the form of additional income and cheaper electricity for farmers. The State Governments will benefit through reduced Subsidy burden. This will also benefit the environment as well in the form of clean and green energy generation.
The State wise status of implementation and issues being faced were deliberated in detail. Renewed focus was laid on renewable energy for ensuring availability of sufficient electricity supply in an environment friendly manner. The matter of increasing overdues of GENCOs was also deliberated and it was advised that DISCOMs must immediately undertake loss reduction measures through proper metering, billing and energy accounting. Proper accounting of subsidies being announced by respective State Governments and payment to DISCOMs also need to be ensured.
Further, it was stressed that for providing 24×7 uninterrupted power supply to consumers; an operationally efficient and financially viable electricity distribution sector is necessary. In order to achieve this objective, Government of India has recently launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme having total outlay of ~Rs. 3.0 Lakh crores.
The scheme aims at reducing the AT&C loss to 12-15% and eliminating the ACS-ARR gap at pan India level by FY 2024-25. The formulation of plans by different States was reviewed. All States and DISCOMs are progressing well in preparation of action plans and DPRs as per the scheme guidelines.
The Minister of State for Power Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar appreciated the efforts and cooperation by States in achieving 100 percent electrification under Saubhagaya scheme, DDUGJY. He said that Power is the key to growth. Reviewing the status of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme he expressed that DISCOMs are the nodal point for the consumers in the power value chain and hence their performance is key.