Union Power Minister Chairs RPM Meeting to Propel India Towards Energy Sufficiency

New Delhi: The Review, Planning, and Monitoring (RPM) Meeting of the Power Sector, spearheaded by Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh, commenced in New Delhi on January 18 & 19, 2024. The significant gathering includes Power / Energy Secretaries, CMDs / MDs of all discoms from various states, Union Power Secretary, Union New & Renewable Energy Secretary, and high-ranking officials from Central Public Sector Enterprises.

In his opening address, Union Minister R. K. Singh stressed the importance of eliminating loadshedding and asserted his vision for a future where India transcends its developing status. He highlighted the need to penalize loadshedding, considering it an insult to the people, and called for enhanced efficiency in the power sector. While billing efficiency has improved, collection efficiency remains at 92.7%, posing a challenge.

Shri Singh acknowledged the progress in the power sector, citing increased daily power availability in rural and urban areas, reduced energy shortage, and decreased AT&C losses of discoms. However, challenges persist, including a growing ACS-ARR gap and occasional load shedding in certain states.

Speaking on the nation’s energy demand, the Minister emphasized the necessity of adding capacity to meet the growing requirements. He outlined a transition plan, considering the evolving global scenario, and the imperative to ensure sufficient electricity for India’s sustained growth.

Union Power Secretary, Shri Pankaj Agarwal, highlighted the need for DISCOMs to accelerate loss reduction and smart metering works. He called for effective utilization of budgetary support and informed the Ministry in case of unutilized funds, allowing allocation to progressive DISCOMs.

Union New & Renewable Energy Secretary, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, discussed the achievements in non-fossil fuel capacity installation, representing 44% of total installed generation capacity. He emphasized the transformative role of the National Green Hydrogen Mission and encouraged states to facilitate projects in this direction.

The two-day RPM meeting will delve into various aspects, including distribution, rooftop solar, green hydrogen, consumer rights, and project viability. The discussions aim to propel India towards energy sufficiency and address challenges in the power sector.