NEW DELHI: Union minister of power and housing & urban affairs Manohar Lal urged states to accelerate smart metering projects and enhance cybersecurity frameworks in the power sector to improve operational efficiency and ensure grid security. Addressing the regional meeting of the power sector in New Delhi, he emphasized the need for a financially viable and future-ready power sector to support India’s growing energy demand.
The meeting was attended by Union minister of state for power and NRE Shripad Yesso Naik, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, senior officials from the ministry of power, state representatives, and CMDs of central and state power utilities.
Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal highlighted concerns about the financial health of public sector distribution utilities and the slow progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). He stressed that expedited implementation of RDSS is essential for improving the efficiency of power distribution and urged states to ensure the timely execution of smart metering projects, demand response mechanisms, and cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Union minister of state for power and NRE emphasized the growing electricity demand from electric vehicles, data centers, and renewable energy integration and called for collaborative efforts to strengthen grid resilience and transmission infrastructure. He underlined the importance of integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) to support the transition towards a sustainable energy mix.
The ministry of power released key reports on distribution utilities and consumer service ratings during the meeting. The 13th Integrated Ratings of 63 Distribution Utilities for FY 2023-24 ranked Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) at the top, followed by Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL), Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL), Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL), and Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL).
The 4th edition of the Consumer Services Rating of DISCOMs (CSRD) for FY 2023-24 was also launched. BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML), Tata Power Company Limited (TPCL) Mumbai, and NOIDA Power Company Limited (NPCL) secured the highest “A+” rating.
Additionally, the first edition of the Distribution Utilities Ranking (DUR) Report for FY 2023-24 was introduced. Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL), Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL), and Tata Power Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) ranked highest among distribution utilities. In the Special Category State Utilities, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), and Arunachal Pradesh Power Department led the rankings. Among Urban DISCOMs, Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), and NOIDA Power Company Limited (NPCL) were rated as the top performers.
The discussions at the meeting focused on key challenges in the power sector, including financial viability, tariff rationalization, and investment in renewable energy storage. States were encouraged to adopt best practices in distribution operations, enhance capacity building, and leverage innovative technologies to improve service delivery.
Source: The Economic Times
Uttar Pradesh Unveils Rs 8.08 Lakh Crore Budget 