Latest news with #AggregateTechnical&Commercial
Time of India
10-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Reeling under financial crisis, Andhra Pradesh discoms struggles to clear dues
VIJAYAWADA: Notwithstanding huge tariff increase in the last one year, power utilities are struggling to take up new projects due to the huge pending bills to the contractors. A grim financial position has put the discoms on mat as they are neither taking up new works nor clearing the old dues. The chief secretary K Vijayanand himself came down heavily on the authorities at a recent review meeting held in Bapatla for the delay in taking up the planned development works. However, the field level officials were unable to reveal the facts as the contractors are not keen to take up works with the power utilities for fear of delayed payments. The senior officials are also worried about possible attachment orders from the courts if failed to clear the bills. The discoms reportedly owed nearly Rs.2000 crore to different firms. According to information (documents are in TOI's possession) a private firm Vijai electricals of Hyderabad approached the commercial court in Visakhapatnam seeking direction to EPDCL for payment of dues to the tune of nearly Rs.80 crore. Taking the issue with a serious note, chief secretary Vijayanand directed the EPDCL CMD to immediately clear the payments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Back Pain Treatments That Might Surprise You! Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo The agency completed the works under Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) with the financial support from the Centre. While the discom is seeking funds from the state govt to manage the situation, state govt asked the power utility to handle the crisis from its own resources. 'The discoms are struggling to clear dues to the tune of Rs.2000 crore to different agencies,' said a senior official. APDRP aimed to reduce transmission and distribution losses, improve the reliability and quality of power supply, and enhance the transparency of power utility operations through IT implementation. Reducing Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses. 'The government hereby accord permission to the CMD, EPDCL to arrange balance payments in APDRP project from internal funds through PD account in order to avoid execution orders of attachment in the commercial court,' chief secretary Vijayanand clearly stated in his communication with EPDCL CMD. Curiously, EPDCL did not respond to repeated alerts from the chief secretary's office to clear the dues. Sources said that other discoms were also facing the same fate citing financial constraints. Speculation is rife that one big firm, which is considered to be close to the top people in the previous YSRCP govt, has got complete hold on the energy department and getting its bills cleared as soon as the funds received from the Centre and state. This electrical transformer company is the chief promoter of a controversial solar power project to which the state govt decided to grant 20000 acres of green fields in Karedu despite farmers angry protests. Curiously, Vijai electricals which is struggling to get the bills is owned by veteran TDP leader Dasari Jai Ramesh of Gannavaram constituency. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
United News of India
07-08-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Vi Business set to deploy 12 million smart meters across India
New Delhi, Aug 7 (UNI) Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea Limited, announced the plan to set up 12 million smart meters within the next three years. The decision is intended to accelerate the speed of development in India's energy sector. The step is taken up in the line of the 'National Smart Grid Mission' with a motive to develop a digitally empowered energy ecosystem through advanced and prepaid electricity meters. The 'National Smart Grid Mission' aims to plan and monitor the implementation of programs and policies related to the Smart Grid Activities in India. Arvind Nevatia, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vi, said, 'We are pioneers in the smart meter energy ecosystem, first to deploy smart meters in 2018 and first to launch innovations like the IoT lab. We continue this commitment to deploy 12 million smart meters to reduce energy losses, improve efficiency, and enhance consumer experience across India.' This initiative is centred on the 'Vi Business IoT Smart Central Platform', which offers comprehensive visibility and control across millions of connected meters. Vi Business also emphasises comprehensive data protection for utilities and consumers. The decision to deploy smart meters will also require Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) to reduce the Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses and provide clear insights about energy consumption to customers. UNI SAS ARN
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Lal lauds Tripura's steps in power distribution, energy governance
Agartala: Union power minister Manohar Lal appreciated Tripura's initiatives under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), particularly in power distribution and infrastructure modernisation for a reliable, transparent, and consumer-friendly energy governance. Tripura power minister Ratan Lal Nath while addressing North-Eastern and Eastern States Power Ministers' Conference held in Gangtok on Saturday, said Tripura emerged as a front runner in India's energy transformation. He said Tripura's green energy vision is in perfect alignment with India's broader goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, which emphasises the state's commitment to renewable energy to pave the way for a cleaner and sustainable future. Tripura became top among northeastern states and ranks third across the country in implementing RDSS targets and a reduction in Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses was specifically cited as a testament to the efficient management and commitment to reform mandates. Additionally, Tripura ranks first in the northeast and third nationally for the installation of smart meters in households — a vital step towards building a modern and transparent power ecosystem, Nath said. He added, "Union power minister praised Tripura's leadership, calling the progress "commendable" and "a model for other states to follow". Nath highlighted the need for continued central govt's support to further reinforce Tripura's power infrastructure. He sought a package of Rs 1,331.26 crore for an infrastructure development package recommended by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for implementation by 2031-32.
