Power Distribution Sector Reforms in India: Role of Regulators and The Private Sector

The accumulated losses of all State-owned power distribution companies (DISCOMs) have crossed Rs.5 lakh crore even after more than Rs.2 Trillion of their debt was taken over by the respective State Governments in FY 2015-16. The Government of India wants to pump in another Rs.3 trillion into these DISCOMs. This approach flags serious managerial deficiencies within the State-owned DISCOMs and the effectiveness of the electricity regulators in India. This report summarises the deliberations in a NIAS stakeholder consultation workshop. and the way forward for the power distribution sector.