India DISCOM Weekly Update — Nationwide & State-Wise Highlights
India DISCOM Weekly Update — Nationwide & State-Wise Highlights
Published by SolSetu Newsroom | October 2025
TL;DR: The Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces competition among DISCOMs, empowers SERCs, and promotes cost-reflective tariffs. Smart-meter rollout under RDSS continues with March 2028 targets. State utilities announce new PPAs and surcharges to clear legacy dues.
Nationwide Summary & Key Policy Moves
- Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025: Proposes multiple DISCOMs in one area for competitive supply, allowing shared infrastructure and direct power procurement for large users.
- Smart-Meter Rollout: Over 20 crore smart meters sanctioned under RDSS; installation target revised to March 2028. Expert committee planned for analytics training.
- Financials: DISCOM cumulative losses stand near ₹6.9 lakh crore. Supreme Court orders states to clear dues within 4 years; new dues within 3 years.
- Coal PPAs: States like UP and Assam adding ~7 GW coal capacity to ensure baseload power.
- CERC Orders: “Change in Law” classification for GST/coal cess; transmission delay cases ongoing (ACME, AMPIN).
State-Wise Highlights
Maharashtra
- Smart-meter adoption improving; consumer sentiment turning positive with transparency gains.
Delhi (NCT)
- 17,000+ rooftop solar systems installed under PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
- BSES to recover ₹28,483 crore in regulatory dues by FY 2028.
- Commissioned 20 MW/40 MWh battery storage at BRPL substation.
Gujarat
- RECPDCL signs to deploy 3.32 million prepaid smart meters in PGVCL area under RDSS.
Karnataka
- BESCOM introduces three-month average billing during IT transition period.
Tamil Nadu
- TNGECL issues 40 MW rooftop solar tender across govt. buildings.
Rajasthan
- Virtual/Group Net Metering approved by RERC.
- ₹1/unit surcharge added to tariff for legacy dues recovery.
- Jaipur witnessing ~14% rise in demand; infrastructure upgrades ongoing.
Uttar Pradesh
- Privatisation of 42 district DISCOMs (Agra & Varanasi pilot phase) progressing.
- Strong opposition from engineers’ unions against draft bill reforms.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
- Telangana DISCOMs boosting transformer capacity to handle record summer loads.
Madhya Pradesh
- RDSS rollout continues; deadline extended to 2028. MP govt. creates 49,000 new DISCOM posts.
Punjab & Haryana
- Haryana DHBVN issued 250 EV charging connections out of 360 pending requests.
West Bengal
- Stable operations; awaiting next tariff cycle update.
Odisha
- Tata Power Odisha model remains a reference for privatized efficiency (AT&C loss cut by >10 pts).
Kerala
- No major update this cycle.
Goa
- JERC directs Goa DISCOM to report smart-meter progress; 7.5 lakh replacements planned.
Outlook
- Tariff rationalization shows regulators balancing consumer impact and DISCOM solvency.
- Smart-meter analytics expected to drive data-led efficiency in FY26.
- Privatization pilots (UP, Odisha) will shape future utility reform paths.
