Question : Bailout Plan for Power Discoms

(a) the details of the loss making power distribution companies in the country along with the steps taken to bail them out, Statewise;

(b) whether the power discoms has been permitted or proposed to be permitted to gradually increase electricity prices as a part of a rescue plan to fix the finances of debt ridden utilities and protect the interest of their employees;

(c) if so, the details and the reasons thereof along with the reaction of State Government; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to provide uninterrupted electricity to power consumers on affordable rate?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER,
COAL AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY

( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) : The details of the loss making power distribution companies in the country are at Annex. The Government of India has approved a scheme – UDAY (Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana) to improve the financial and operational efficiencies of Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).

(b) & (c) : There is no proposal to increase electricity prices gradually as a part of the rescue plan. Along with several measures such as improving operational efficiencies, reducing the cost of power procurement, state takeover of DISCOM debts and others, UDAY envisages a quarterly tariff review, particularly to offset any fuel price increase.

(d) : In collaboration with States, steps are being taken to provide access to electricity and 24x7 supply through various programmes and schemes such as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gramin Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY), National Electricity Fund (NEF), Power System Development Fund (PSDF) etc.

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