Union Power Minister Reviews Power Projects at Western States Power Conference

New Delhi, May 14: The Union Ministry of Power has set a target to install smart and prepaid meters in government offices, buildings, and residential colonies by August. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal has emphasized the goal of reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses alongside the installation of smart and prepaid meters. During the Western States Power Conference held in Mumbai, the minister reviewed various power projects.

To improve electricity consumption and supply, the Union Minister directed power corporations to install smart meters in government buildings and residences by August 31. These smart metering initiatives are expected to enhance billing accuracy and reduce line losses. Additionally, smart meters will enable consumers to independently assess their energy consumption. The integration of AI/ML-based data analytics in the smart metering system has immense potential to improve consumer experience.

The minister also praised Gujarat, Goa, and Chhattisgarh for their efforts in reducing AT&C losses. He emphasized that distribution utilities should enhance efficiency under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) through infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of smart metering projects. Key attendees at the conference included Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Goa Power Minister Ramkrishna, Gujarat Power Minister Kanubhai Mohanlal Desai, and Maharashtra Energy Minister Meghna Sakore Bordikar.

India Aims for 100 GW Nuclear Power Capacity by 2047
Union Minister Manohar Lal stated that under the “Developed India – 2047” vision, the nation aims for self-reliance in the energy sector, with a target of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear power generation by 2047. Coordination between central and state governments is crucial for this, along with timely completion of central projects. The regional power conferences will continue to focus on addressing sectoral challenges and finalizing power purchase agreements based on state-specific requirements.

The minister urged states to develop the necessary storage capacity through pump storage projects and battery energy storage systems.

Discussion on Poor Tariff Structure and Outstanding Government Bills
During the Western States Power Conference, the minister held detailed discussions on various aspects including state-wise power generation, supply, line losses, and billing. Issues such as flawed tariff structures, sub-optimal billing and collection, outstanding government bills, and delays in subsidy payments were also addressed, with assurances of resolving these concerns. The minister called for reducing the gap between AT&C losses, supply costs, and average revenue realization in the power distribution sector.

Metro Connectivity to Improve in Mumbai
During his Maharashtra visit, Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal assured CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde of strengthening housing and urban development in Maharashtra and Mumbai. To ease traffic congestion in Mumbai, the metro network will be expanded, with ongoing progress in construction and proposed projects being accelerated. The minister also reviewed progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart City Mission projects, disposal of old waste sites, and increased reuse of water from sewage treatment plants (STPs).