SolSetu Weekly Deep-Dive
SolSetu Deep Dive: DISCOM & Power Sector Updates (India)
TL;DR
Quick Summary: India's DISCOMs are navigating reforms, court-driven dues clearance, and smart-meter rollouts under RDSS. Regulatory orders and draft policy amendments hint at deeper structural change, but financial pressure and uneven execution continue to challenge the sector.
Key Trends & Outlook
- Draft Electricity Act amendments propose multiple DISCOMs in one area, cost-reflective tariffs, and stronger SERC oversight.
- Smart-meter rollout under RDSS continues; ~3.4 crore deployed, though progress varies by state.
- Financial health improving modestly (losses ₹8k–10k cr FY25) but legacy dues (~₹1.74 L cr) remain.
- CERC’s “change in law” rulings allow tariff compensation for GST and coal cess adjustments.
State Highlights
- Rajasthan: FY 26 tariff order adds ₹1/unit surcharge to clear dues.
- Madhya Pradesh: Deadline for smart-meter rollout extended to 2028; 49k new DISCOM posts approved.
- Delhi: 17,000+ rooftop solar systems installed under PM Surya Ghar Yojna.
- Uttar Pradesh: Privatization of 42 districts moves forward pending UPERC approval.
- Odisha: Privatized model hailed for >10 ppt reduction in AT&C losses in 5 years.
Financial & Policy Snapshot
- Supreme Court ordered legacy dues cleared within 4 years; new dues in 3 years.
- Centre promoting prepaid metering and digital billing for transparency.
- Coal PPAs continue for baseload security; states like UP and Assam planning ~7 GW.
Sources
Ministry of Power (powermin.gov.in), CERC (cercind.gov.in), RDSS Dashboard (rdss.gov.in), Business Standard, Mercom India, LiveMint.
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