Electricity

Statistics ministry expert panel seeks uniform energy data standards

The panel has recommended common end-use categories, conversion factors and product classifications to harmonise India's energy statistics and improve policy analysis

Power ministry releases draft norms for unified electricity data-sharing

Power Ministry proposes a unified electricity data framework to standardise and share renewable, grid and market data via a national digital platform

Delhi govt orders CAG audit of power discoms over pending RAs of ₹38,500 cr

The Delhi government has ordered a CAG audit of power discoms against the backdrop of a staggering Rs 38,500 crore accumulated over the years as Regulatory Assets (RA) that are to be recovered from consumers. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India will undertake a "strict and intensive" audit of the circumstances under which discoms - BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) and Tata Power Delhi Distribution (TPDDL) - have continued without recovery of regulatory assets, according to an order issued by the Power Department of the Delhi government on Wednesday. The audit may preferably be completed within three months from the date of communication of the order, subject to any extension that the CAG may consider according to the scope and complexity of the audit, the order said. Commenting On the order, a BRPL spokesperson said, "The question of a CAG audit of the Delhi discoms is currently sub judice before the courts. As the matter is under ...

Is electricity the new oil? Why firms are pushing towards electrification

From electric vehicles to battery factories and AI data centres, electrification is emerging as the next frontier of economic growth, but will it do to the world what oil did in the last century?

Genus Power eyes large chunk of ₹60K crore smart electric meter tenders

Backed by GIC, Genus Power expects strong growth from India's smart metering drive and plans to install 2.4 crore meters over the next two to three years

'Power consumers in India can save ₹2.5 trillion by doubling AC efficiency'

A UC Berkeley study says stricter air-conditioner efficiency standards can reduce peak power demand, lower electricity bills and help India avoid future power shortages

India's peak power demand hits record 265 GW amid heatwave conditions

The country's peak electricity demand touched a fresh record for the third straight day as severe heatwave conditions continued across several regions

CERC floats idea of capacity market for electricity, calls for comments

Suggested reforms aim to ensure power availability during system stress

Explained: How your AC may be driving India towards a power crisis | Electricity demand

India’s power demand is hitting record highs as heatwaves intensify. With AC usage soaring and data centres running 24/7, the strain on the grid is growing fast.

REC enters carbon credit market, invites tender for verification work

REC subsidiary RECPDCL has invited bids to empanel agencies for verification and validation work under the Indian Carbon Market framework

UP govt scraps smart prepaid meter system, shifts all users to postpaid

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to discontinue the smart prepaid electricity meter system across the state and convert the already-installed devices to postpaid with immediate effect, Energy Minister A K Sharma said on Friday. The move comes amid growing protests in several districts over alleged excess billing and irregularities linked to smart prepaid meters installed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). According to an official statement, the decision was taken following directions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in view of consumer convenience and grievances. Under the new arrangement, consumers will receive electricity bills after consumption, with bills for electricity used in May 2026 to be issued in June under the postpaid system. Sharma said formal orders had been issued for implementation of the new system across Purvanchal, Madhyanchal, Dakshinanchal and Pashchimanchal power distribution corporations as well as KESCO in Kanpur. "Prioritisin

High power demand, but spot prices rise only 1% to ₹5.26/unit in April: IEX

Power demand rose in April, but spot prices increased marginally amid surplus renewable supply and weather-led fluctuations, offering buyers opportunities for lower-cost procurement

CERC draft regulations on mkt coupling do not serve consumer interest: IEX

IEX says proposed market coupling norms may not benefit consumers or deepen markets, as CERC designates Grid India to centrally manage price discovery

India needs two time zones to electrify its future, reduce energy stress

The load on the national grid would get less spiky if the entire nation doesn't simultaneously ramp up electric stoves, EV chargers, and high-intensity cooling in factories and data centres

CERC moots new norms for market coupling across power exchanges

Draft rules aim to centralise price discovery via Grid India, improving transparency, efficiency and competition in India's electricity markets

Heavy coal use, RE growth to insulate India from spike in power tariffs

India's reliance on domestic coal and rapid renewable energy expansion could shield it from global power tariff shocks, even as fuel prices surge amid the West Asia conflict

Not mandatory to install pre-paid power meters: Govt in Lok Sabha

The government on Thursday said in the Lok Sabha that consumers are not required to install pre-paid electricity meters. Responding to supplementaries during Question Hour, Power Minster Manohar Lal Khattar rejected suggestions that the government was compelling consumers to adopt pre-paid meters in a manner similar to private companies. In response to a question regarding how poor farmers, who rely on daily earnings, would manage to pay for electricity, he explained that options for small recharges lasting five to ten days are available. However, he noted that serial defaulters - those who take "pride" in not paying their electricity bills - would be required to switch to pre-paid meters to reduce the risk of non-payment. The minister emphasised that power companies are commercial in nature and need to earn revenue to provide electricity to consumers.

MSEDCL to demerge agri business by April, targets listing by 2026 end

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company plans to complete the demerger of its agriculture arm by April, a key step ahead of its planned initial public offering for December, a top official has said. "We are targeting an IPO by December for MSEDCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company), and before that, we will demerge our agriculture business, which we aim to complete by April," its Chairman and Managing Director Lokesh Chandra told PTI on the sidelines of the Mumbai Climate Week. The agriculture segment will be carved out as a separate company, not a subsidiary, ensuring its liabilities do not remain on the balance sheet of the core distribution utility, Chandra said. MSEDCL carries total dues of about Rs 96,000 crore, of which nearly Rs 76,000 crore relates to unpaid agricultural consumption, he said. The accumulation of these arrears has led to higher working capital borrowings and financial strain, despite the core distribution business being operationa

Govt cleared ₹38,849 cr projects in 2025 for renewable power evacuation

Centre approved ₹38,849 crore transmission projects in 2025 to evacuate renewable power, as grid expansion, smart metering and discom finances show improvement

Best of BS Opinion: Sebi reforms to make things easier for investors

From Sebi's investor-friendly rule changes and PM Modi's West Asia tour to debates on power grid reform, shrimp exports and a Zomato biography, here's today's Best of BS Opinion.