Latest news with #ShripadYessoNaik
New Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
GoM discusses challenges faced by India's DISCOMs in Andhra
VIJAYAWADA: Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik on Tuesday chaired the fourth Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting on power sector reforms in Vijayawada on Tuesday. The meeting brought together energy ministers and senior officials from six States to deliberate on coordinated policy and financial measures to address challenges facing India's power distribution companies (DISCOMs). The session focused on cost-reflective tariffs, streamlining net metering, mandatory cost adjustments for fuel and power purchases, and tariff reforms linked to inflation indices. Naik emphasised the need to strengthen the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) and advocated regulatory clarity to ensure sectoral stability and consumer fairness. He proposed simplifying and standardising tariff orders, streamlining net metering for rooftop solar systems, and linking annual tariff revisions to inflation indices like the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to foster transparency and predictability for utilities and consumers. Financial restructuring took centre stage, with calls to lower interest rates offered by REC and PFC, eliminate prepayment penalties, and expedite implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Hans India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
AP to host 4th GoM meeting on power sector reforms
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh hosted the 4th meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Power Sector Reforms here on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and Renewable Energy. Energy Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh along with senior officials took part in the meeting. Aravind Kumar Sharma, Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Heeralal Nagar, Energy Minister Rajasthan, Minister for Energy AP, Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Meghana Sakore Bordikar, Minister of Energy Maharashtra have shared the dias along with Minister of State for Power, Shripad Yesso Naik. The union Energy Minister Shripad Yesso Naik, in his opening remarks, highlighted the significance of coordinated reforms to address the financial and operational challenges faced by power distribution companies (DISCOMs). The Union Minister stressed the need for introducing regulatory reforms, restructuring liabilities, and leveraging emerging technologies like renewable integration, storage solutions, and artificial intelligence to ensure a resilient and future-ready power distribution system. Shripad Yesso Naik emphasised that timely revision of cost-reflective tariffs, the strengthening of the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) with sufficient benches, and the mandatory implementation of Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustments are essential steps to ensure fair pricing and financial stability. The Minister also highlighted the importance of simplifying and standardising tariff orders and net metering provisions for rooftop solar systems. The union minister called for the development of clear GST policies for storage systems that allow input tax credits for utilities, along with a well-defined roadmap for expanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). He also advocated for financial relief measures such as reducing interest rates offered by REC and PFC, along with the waiver or reduction of prepayment penalties, to ease the debt burden on DISCOMs. Heeralal Nagar, Energy Minister Rajasthan said that under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Rajasthan has set a target to install over 36,700 megawatts through rooftop solar by 2025-26 and Rajasthan state government has announced the installation of 150 units of free electricity connections along with PM Surya Ghar Yojana, ensuring that more than 77 lakh low-consumption domestic consumers benefit from solar-based reliable electricity for up to 150 units per month. Meghana Sakore Bordikar, Minister of State for Energy, Maharashtra, highlighted that Mahavitaran has already outlined specific measures aimed at ensuring the economic viability of the power utility. She affirmed that Maharashtra remains committed to contributing toward strengthening the power sector and supporting sustainable solutions. Aravind Kumar Sharma, Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh highlighted that huge capital investment required if we need to build a future ready distribution System for Viksit Bharat. 'For this cheaper sources of financing are required. High cost of generation is also to be tackled. Rationalisation of coal allocation should be done. RPO trajectory for the states should be made in a practicable manner, keeping in view the demand curve of the states and transmission constraints', he said. K. Vijayanand, Chief Secretary and Special Chief Secretary Energy Andhra Pradesh, in his closing remarks, conveyed his deep appreciation to all the participants for their insightful deliberations and active participation. The meeting focused on collaborative policy development to strengthen DISCOMs, streamline regulatory practices, and promote investments, thereby ensuring affordable and reliable power supply to citizens while maintaining fiscal discipline. The successful conclusion of this GoM meeting marks another crucial step in Andhra Pradesh's and India's journey toward creating a sustainable, efficient, and financially healthy power sector. The Representatives from AIDA, REC, PFC has presented on the proposed recommendations for strengthening the DISCOMs. Avinash Lavania, MD MPPCL, Alok Kumar, DG, AIDA and Former Secretary Power, GoI, Pranav Tayal, Director MoP , Ali shah, Executive Director, PFC , Mahesh JIwade, Private Secretary MoS, Shashank Mishra, JS, MoP, JMD APTRANSCO Smt Kirthi Chekuri, CMD APCPDCL, AKV Bhaskar and other representatives from various states have participated in the meeting.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra to host GoMs meet on power sector reforms
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh will host the fourth meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Power Sector Reforms on April 22, 2025, at Novotel in Vijayawada. The meeting, convened by the Union Ministry of Power, will be chaired by Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik. It marks the first time the State is hosting this national-level discussion on utility reforms. Ahead of the event, Chief Secretary and Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K Vijayanand reviewed preparations with key officials, including Transmission Corporation of AP Limited (APTRANSCO) Joint Managing Director Kirthi Chekuri and Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) Chairman and Managing Director AKV Bhaskar. The GoM meeting is under the Ministry's Utility Reforms and Special Interventions initiative. It will be attended by energy ministers and secretaries from Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, along with representatives from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and APCPDCL. Discussion topics will include proposed regulatory changes, financial restructuring of distribution companies (DISCOMs), and the type of support the Central government can offer. The meeting will also outline the role of State governments in reform implementation and set guidelines for preparing investment plans focused on capital expenditure and sectoral improvements. The Ministry of Power selected AP as the host State based on its recent progress in power sector reforms.
