Revamped Power Sector SOP for TG

Hyderabad:Telangana has joined the revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS) in the power sector following a decision taken by the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy here on Saturday. The RDSS is a Central initiative launched by the Union power ministry to help state-owned power distribution companies (discoms) improve operational efficiency and achieve financial sustainability.

As part of the scheme, the state government will roll out smart electricity meters aimed at eliminating estimated billing and enhancing transparency in power consumption and billing. Priority for installation of smart meters will be given to government offices, commercial establishments and households with high electricity consumption. The government clarified that there would be no upfront installation charges for consumers.

Briefing the media on the Cabinet decisions, information and public relations minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said the previous BRS government had signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre on January 2, 2017, for implementation of the RDSS but had subsequently kept the process on hold.

Srinivas Reddy said the present Congress government had decided to honour the agreement entered into by the previous government and move ahead with implementation of the scheme.

The minister said the Centre provides financial assistance to states under the RDSS in the form of grants. However, release of funds was linked to conditions such as publication of audited financial reports, timely revision of electricity tariffs and clearance of pending subsidy dues by the state government. Srinivas Reddy added that the Centre would provide assistance of up to 60 per cent of the approved project cost for works other than smart metering.