As of March 2023, state-run distribution companies had accumulated losses of $75bn.
India's Ministry of Power has proposed a financial bailout mechanism for state-run power distribution companies to stabilize the sector amidst rising power demand and operational challenges. The move aims to address the sector's financial strain, as 65 state-run power distribution companies face significant losses due to factors such as inadequate tariff structures, rising procurement costs, and operational inefficiencies.
The proposed bailout includes forming a ministerial group to identify states requiring urgent financial support and suggesting measures to attract private investment. A federal allocation of $35 billion for state power utilities is also under consideration, marking the first intervention since 2021.
The sector's financial health is crucial for maintaining reliable electricity supply, as highlighted by the Ministry of Power document. Challenges include challenges like delayed customer payments and operational inefficiencies. The proposed measures aim to address these issues and ensure sustained energy supply during periods of high demand.
India's solar power sector has seen significant growth, with a capacity increase from 2.82GW in 2014 to 100GW by 2025. The country has also surpassed 100GW in national solar power capacity, underscoring its commitment to a sustainable future. Recent agreements, such as the MoU between Eco Wave Power and Bharat Petroleum, highlight the potential for integrating wave energy into the renewable energy mix.
Overall, India's move reflects the government's efforts to stabilize the power sector while supporting the transition to renewable energy, particularly solar power, which has seen rapid growth.
