Shri Manohar Lal reviews Power Sector issues in the State of Haryana

**Executive Summary** Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal reviewed Haryana's power sector to enhance the operational and financial performance of state DISCOMs. Key priorities include the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the rollout of smart metering. The State has committed to commencing smart metering works on the ground by August 31st, with a focus on phased prepaid transitions and expanding the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. **Key Points / Main Content** **Financial and Operational Efficiency** * Utilities are directed to operate on sound commercial principles, focusing on reducing power purchase costs and rationalizing expenses. * While Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses have shown improvement, further performance enhancements are required through time-bound loss reduction works. * An automated payment mechanism is to be established for the timely settlement of government department dues and subsidies. **Smart Metering Rollout** * Works for smart metering are scheduled to begin on-site by August 31st. * A phased rollout of prepaid smart metering will prioritize government consumers and employees first. * High-end consumers with a load exceeding 10kW will be the next phase for prepaid metering, supported by incentive mechanisms for voluntary conversion. **Infrastructure and Planning** * The State must resolve outstanding issues in intra-state transmission planning to ensure capacity addition keeps pace with demand growth. * Resource adequacy was reviewed to ensure the state power sector remains self-sufficient and capable of meeting future requirements. **Renewable Energy Initiatives** * The State is directed to create a focused action plan for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. * The goal is to expand consumer enrollment under this scheme to help reduce individual power costs. **Impact Analysis** **State DISCOMs** * **Impact:** Efforts are directed toward making DISCOMs financially viable and self-sufficient through improved revenue augmentation and loss reduction. * **Action Required:** Implement sanctioned works, prioritize loss reduction targets, and ensure the commencement of smart metering by the August 31st deadline. **Government Departments and Employees** * **Impact:** These entities are identified as the initial group for the phased rollout of prepaid smart metering and automated dues settlement. * **Action Required:** Transition to prepaid smart meters and adopt automated payment mechanisms for dues and subsidies. **High-end Consumers (Load > 10kW)** * **Impact:** Targeted for the secondary phase of prepaid smart metering. * **Action Required:** Utilize provided incentive mechanisms to voluntarily convert to prepaid smart metering systems. **General Power Consumers** * **Impact:** Potential for reduced power costs through increased access to solar schemes. * **Action Required:** Enroll in the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as the State expands the program's reach.

Key Entities Referenced