States discuss power reforms at northern region conference

The Regional Conference for Northern States and Union Territories was held on 6 June in Chandigarh. Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, chaired the meeting. 

With peak demand expected to rise to 446 GW by 2034–35, Shri Manohar Lal called for a balanced mix that includes nuclear generation. The Minister asked States to resolve issues delaying intra-state transmission projects and to consider multilateral funding sources.  

On grid security, he underlined the importance of cybersecurity protocols and power islanding schemes.

The Minister also addressed issues in the power distribution segment. He advised States to work with Electricity Regulatory Commissions (ERCs) for cost-reflective tariffs and timely true-up orders.

He called for the accelerated implementation of smart metering under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. He asked States to ensure prepaid smart meters are installed in all government buildings by August 2025 and for commercial, industrial, and high-load consumers by November 2025. He said these meters can improve billing efficiency using AI and ML-based data analytics.

He assured continued Central Government support and reiterated the goal of “Power for All, at All Times.”

Secretary (Power), Government of India, highlighted cybersecurity and the financial health of distribution utilities as key focus areas.