BS EDIT: Will Market Listing Reform State Power Utilities?

By Business StandardPublished On May 21, 2025

A Bold Idea

Listing power utilities promises better transparency, reporting, and financial discipline—long missing in the sector

Who’s In?

Getco (Gujarat), Chhattisgarh, and Haryana are exploring listings. Getco leads with relatively sound financials

Discoms Are the Weak Link

Discoms supply 80% of India’s power—often at subsidised rates, leading to chronic losses and poor investor appeal

Bailouts Haven’t Helped

Despite multiple bailouts, discom losses hit ₹6.8 trillion in FY24. T&D losses and tariff gaps persist

Governance Gaps

Most discoms lack independent oversight, making investor trust and effective reform difficult

Reform Through Markets?

Listing alone won’t fix the system—but it may push states to adopt reforms no bailout ever could