Ranchi — Union Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday held a comprehensive review of Jharkhand’s power sector and urban development programmes, stressing the need for reforms to improve the financial health of power utilities and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.
The meeting, held in Ranchi, was attended by Jharkhand Urban Development and Housing Minister Sudivya Kumar, senior state and central government officials, and representatives of public sector power companies.
Khattar reviewed the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the operational performance of state power distribution companies (DISCOMs), and plans for strengthening transmission infrastructure to cater to future electricity demand.
Highlighting the state’s high Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, the Union Minister called for targeted measures to improve efficiency and reduce losses. He also advised the state government to explore options for restructuring the debt liabilities of its DISCOMs to improve their financial stability.
The minister emphasised the need for timely settlement of dues owed by government departments and urged authorities to establish a mechanism for regular payments. He directed the state to prioritise the conversion of electricity connections at government establishments to prepaid metering systems by August 31, 2026.
Smart meter installation also featured prominently in the discussions. Khattar asked officials to ensure complete coverage of high-consumption users, including industrial and commercial consumers, by the stipulated deadline while speeding up installation for other categories of consumers.
Reviewing long-term energy planning, the minister assessed Jharkhand’s preparedness to meet rising power demand through adequate generation resources and a stronger intra-state transmission network. He stressed the importance of proactive planning to avoid future supply constraints.
Khattar also took stock of electrification efforts under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), directing officials to accelerate the pace of providing grid connectivity to tribal households across the state.
The progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM schemes was also discussed. The Union Minister urged the state to fast-track implementation and meet the targets set under both programmes. He further recommended large-scale rooftop solar installations on government buildings, saying the move would reduce dependence on grid power and help lower the state’s electricity expenditure.
The review meeting underscored the Centre’s focus on strengthening Jharkhand’s power infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and expanding the use of clean energy to support the state’s growing development needs.
With inputs from IANS