By Enersider Desk | New Delhi | 19 June 2026
Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, reviewed matters relating to the power sector and urban development schemes for the State of Jharkhand in Ranchi. He noted the high AT&C losses and Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Realisable Revenue (ARR) gap and urged the State to take concerted steps to bring these to sustainable levels.
According to an official release, the Union Minister highlighted key areas where the State Power/Energy department could work on with a detailed action plan.
Matters relating to the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and operational and financial parameters of the DISCOMs, resource adequacy and transmission infrastructure planning were discussed.
He asked the State to make efforts in the direction of restructuring the debt liabilities of the State DISCOM. He highlighted the need for timely clearance of outstanding Government department dues and urged the State to put in place a robust mechanism for regular settlement, with particular focus on prepaid conversion of meters installed with Government consumers and establishments by August 31, 2026.
It was discussed to saturate the installation of smart meters for high load consumers, including commercial and industrial consumers, by August 31, 2026, and to expedite installation for other categories of consumers.
The meeting was attended by Sudivya Kumar, Minister of Urban Development and Housing Department, Government of Jharkhand, along with senior officials from the State Government, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, and Power Sector CPSEs.
The Minister reviewed the status of resource adequacy and intra-State Transmission planning to meet growing demand. He also reviewed the progress of on-grid electrification for Tribal households under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) and asked the State to expedite implementation. In respect of progress under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM, the State was urged to accelerate implementation and meet targets. It was also advised to saturate rooftop installation on State Government buildings on a priority basis.
Sudivya Kumar assured of taking all necessary measures for expeditious implementation of the works sanctioned for the State and for improving the overall performance of the power sector.
