Centre pushes for resource adequacy, smart metering at southern power review meet

The Regional Power Conference for Southern States and Union Territories was held in Bengaluru, chaired by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs. Attendees included Shri Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, along with state ministers and senior officials.

The meeting focused on future power demand, transmission expansion, financial viability of DISCOMs (distribution companies), and cyber security. Secretary (Power), Government of India, urged states to align with the resource adequacy plan up to FY2035 and explore various models—including Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM), and asset monetisation—for developing transmission capacity.

The Centre also pressed states to strengthen cybersecurity protocols for grid infrastructure and enhance the financial health of DISCOMs by addressing tariff issues, billing inefficiencies, and delayed government dues.

Union Minister Manohar Lal stressed modernising the power sector and deepening Centre-State coordination. He highlighted the need for timely infrastructure proposals under the Rs 1.5 trillion, 50-year interest-free loan scheme announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. States were also urged to submit proposals for Green Energy Corridor Phase III and to promote renewable energy with storage solutions.

The Centre called for the saturation of prepaid smart meters in all government offices and colonies by August 2025, and for commercial and high-load consumers by November 2025. He said smart meters can help improve revenue recovery, reduce AT&C (aggregate technical and commercial) losses, and offer consumer insights using AI/ML tools.

The Union Minister of State for Power underlined the need to finalise PPAs (power purchase agreements) and expedite works under PM-KUSUM within seven months. The Centre assured continued support based on state-level feedback.