GoM Discusses Power Distribution Viability

28 Feb 2025 CW Team

The second meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the viability of electricity distribution utilities was held in Mumbai, attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, who chaired the meeting. Ministers from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, along with officials from central and state governments, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Ltd., and REC Ltd., participated in the discussions. Naik emphasised the need for collective efforts to strengthen the power distribution sector, highlighting key performance indicators such as Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, the ACS-ARR gap, accumulated losses, and outstanding debts. He pointed out that every 1% increase in AT&C loss results in losses exceeding Rs 100 billion and called for leveraging renewable energy, adopting advanced technologies like AI for demand forecasting, and expediting projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Fadnavis praised the Centre’s initiatives and stressed the importance of expanding renewable energy with storage solutions to meet future energy demands. He showcased Maharashtra’s efforts under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana, which provides daytime power to farmers, reducing costs and subsidy burdens. He also sought support from the Centre for faster release of Gross Budgetary Support under RDSS and called for lower interest rates on loans and regulatory relaxations. Gujarat, invited as a special participant, shared best practices that made its DISCOMs profitable. Member states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan, presented their reform efforts and suggestions for improving the financial health of DISCOMs. The PRAYAS group also proposed reforms for a financially viable distribution sector. The GoM reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the financial viability of DISCOMs and agreed to hold its third meeting in Uttar Pradesh in March. (PIB)

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Recycling Leaders Push for Policy Reforms in India

As India prepares for the largest recycling-focused event in its history, industry leaders are making a strong case for policy reforms to unlock the country’s circular economy potential. Ahead of the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, co-located with Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, a high-level panel discussion in Mumbai spotlighted the urgent need for regulatory clarity, digital innovation, and integration of the informal sector.Held under the theme “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling”, the panel brought together prominent voices from across the recy..

Environmental Hearing Set for 1000 MW Naying Hydro Project

The environmental public hearing for the 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project will take place on November 12 at Yapik community hall in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The run-of-the-river project on the Siyom (Yomgo) river is being developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). Construction, including a concrete dam, underground powerhouse, and tunnel, is expected to commence around 2028, with commissioning planned by 2032. The project aims to generate approximately 4,966.77 GWh of electricity. The Naying project received Central Electricity ..

India Achieves 490 MWh Energy Storage Capacity by June 2025

India’s cumulative energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by June 2025, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Of this, more than 85 per cent is associated with renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, reflecting the country’s accelerated shift towards grid stability and clean energy integration. The CEA report highlights that 16 energy storage systems are currently operational across 10 states, with major installations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These include both standalone and co-located battery systems deployed by le..