Revamped Power Sector SOP for TG

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

As part of the plan, the state government will introduce smart electricity meters aimed at eliminating estimated billing and increasing transparency in energy consumption and billing. Government offices, commercial establishments and residences with high electricity consumption will be given priority in smart meter installation. The government has announced that no up-front installation fee will be charged to consumers.

Cabinet decisions, information and public relations minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy told the media that the previous BRS government signed a tripartite agreement with the Center on January 2, 2017 for the implementation of RDSS but later put the process on hold.

Srinivas Reddy said the current Congress government has decided to honor the agreement signed by the previous government and continue the implementation of the scheme.

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