All states on board for power distribution reforms scheme

All states have agreed to come on board for the Rs 3.03 lakh crore state power distribution reforms scheme and most are expected to submit their consent by October 31, power and renewable energy minister R K Singh said on Thursday.

Singh held region wise meeting with state power ministers' on September 21 and Thursday.

"All states are confident to hering down losses and avail the money under the scheme. Most states said they will submit their consent by October 31," he told reporters at a media briefing.

Singh said teams from central government will reach out to states for hand holding in preparing their proposals.

Singh has asked states to carry out system studies on demand assessment and system strengthening
before submitting their proposals.

Funding under the revamped distribution scheme will be released based on progress in operational and financial improvements in distribution utilities.

The reforms-based and results-linked, revamped distribution sector scheme has been launched with an outlay of Rs.3,03,758 crore and estimated GBS of Rs 97,631 crore from the Centre.

Network strengthening and modernisation, financial viability and smart prepaid metering are the key aspects of this scheme.