New Delhi: Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R.K. Singh interacted with the regulators from Central, State and Joint Electricity Regulatory Commissions to discuss the efforts to be made by Regulatory Commissions for a viable and vibrant power sector. He reviewed the progress made in establishment of regulatory mechanisms for the compliance of the provisions of the Act, Policies and Rules notified by the Ministry of Power. The interaction was held at the office of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, in New Delhi on October 3, 2023.
The Power Minister observed that since the last meeting held in October 2022, there has been huge improvement in many areas including timely issuance of tariff orders and true-up orders of the distribution companies, transmission licensees and generating utilities. This is very crucial for cost-reflective tariff, leading to financial viability of the power sector, said the Minister. Shri Singh appreciated the efforts of the regulators for improved functioning of the power system. However, he expressed concern on the increase in pendency of cases in some Commissions and advised the Commissions to dispose of long- pending cases on priority.
The Minister urged the regulators to ensure that the tariff is cost-reflective, covering the entire cost of service of DISCOMs. He pointed out that Government of India has made energy audit compulsory. This shall be monitored, as it will help in identifying areas of leakage / theft of power and help in reducing AT&C losses. He advised that the trajectories for reduction of AT&C losses should be realistic.
