- Integrated Rating exercise (launched in 2012) is being carried out on an annual basis, with the aim of evaluating performance of DISCOMs.
- It is conducted with the Power Finance Corporation as the nodal agency and rates the performance of 55 DISCOMs.
- It is conducted with the Power Finance Corporation as the nodal agency and rates the performance of 55 DISCOMs.
- Key Highlights:
- AT&C losses improved to 15.4% in FY23, reaching closer to national goal of 12-15%.
- Billing Efficiency improved to 87% and Collection Efficiency remained high at 97.3%.
- Average power purchase cost increased by 71 paise/kWh during FY23, driven by growth in power demand, more expensive coal imports and higher exchange prices.
- Subsidy disbursals by state governments crossed 100% with a few states supported financial losses of discoms through subsidy grants.
- Legacy issues with DISCOMs:
- Sectoral debt has been steadily increasing, mainly for CAPEX, financial losses, and working capital.
- Discoms grapples with high quantum of trade payables to generation companies and transmission companies owing to stressed finances.
- Some states still have to clear substantial subsidy arrears, accumulated over a long period.
- High AT&C loss: due to discrepancy in meter, theft, collection inefficiency.
Initiatives taken
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