MoP calls for urgent reforms in Power Distribution Sector

摘要

Minister of Power, Sushilkumar Shinde inaugurated the State Power Ministers Conference on "Distribution Sector Reforms" in New Delhi and urged to take stock of the situation in their states, devise a utility-wise turn-around plan and monitor its implementation at the highest level before the situation becomes unsustainable. Shinde asked the states to ensure that subsidies to the electricity distribution utilities for the subsidised sectors like agriculture and rural households, be released in advance as per Section 65 of the Electricity Act and the DISCOMs are able to realise adequate tariff to not only bridge but ensure that the gap between average revenue realised and average cost of supply is positive. He also expressed concern that barring a few utilities, audited accounts are not being maintained up-to-date which runs counter to the principles of utilities functioning as commercial entities post unbundling.