Power Minister R K Singh Declares War on Load Shedding, Announces Penalties

Union Power Minister R K Singh has declared that gratuitous load shedding, which is an insult to the people of the country, will be penalized. Addressing a review meeting, Singh emphasized the significance of eliminating load shedding and ensuring reliable power supply.

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Review Meeting of Power and Energy Officials

The two-day review, planning, and monitoring (RPM) meeting of top power and energy officials from the Centre, states, and heads of state distribution companies commenced in New Delhi. Representatives from central public sector enterprises are also participating in the meeting.

Vision for a Developed India

Singh expressed his vision for India's transformation into a developed country, highlighting the absence of load shedding, financial stability of power distribution companies (discoms), respect for people's rights, and minimal power disruptions as key indicators of development. He emphasized the need to penalize load shedding as it undermines the dignity of citizens.

Improving Discom Performance

The minister urged discoms to enhance their capacity, sign power purchase agreements (PPAs), ensure resource adequacy, and improve operational efficiency. He reiterated the rights of consumers to uninterrupted electricity supply and emphasized the importance of imposing penalties and providing compensation in cases of gratuitous load shedding.

Progress in Power Sector

Singh highlighted the improvements in billing efficiency, increased average daily power availability in rural and urban areas, and reduction in energy shortage. He also noted the reduction in aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses of discoms. However, he expressed concern over the widening gap between the average cost of supply (ACS) and average revenue realized (ARR).

Transitioning to Sustainable Energy

Recognizing the rapidly growing energy demand, Singh stressed the need to add capacities in accordance with the demand. He emphasized the challenges posed by the evolving global landscape and the need for a swift transition to sustainable energy sources. He warned that the viability of discoms is crucial for attracting investments, setting up capacities, and ensuring energy availability for growth.

Legal Consequences for Violations

The minister cautioned power regulators and discoms against violating the Electricity Act, stating that legal action will be taken against offenders. He emphasized the importance of adhering to laws and regulations to ensure the viability of the power sector. States that fail to comply may face restrictions on receiving power from the Centre and accessing loans from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) or Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).

Action against Tariff Violations

Singh highlighted the importance of up-to-date tariffs, cost-reflectivity, and timely payment of subsidies. He warned that appropriate legal actions will be taken against instances of tariff violations, non-payment of subsidies, or non-cost-reflective tariffs. The minister reiterated the government's commitment to making the power sector viable and transforming India into a developed country.

RPM Meeting Agenda

The two-day RPM meeting will address various matters related to the power sector, including distribution, rooftop solar, green hydrogen, green appliances, PM KUSUM, Rights of Consumer Rules, project reviews, viability of discoms, progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), state-wise stability of power supply, and resource adequacy.