On May 23, 2025, the Regional Power Conference for Southern States/UTs was held in Bengaluru, chaired by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal. The conference focused on creating a smarter, sustainable, and financially viable power sector to support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Key Objectives and Discussions
Building a Future-Ready Power Sector
Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the need for continuous Centre-State collaboration to address challenges in the power sector. The conference highlighted the importance of ensuring resource adequacy through power generation capacity tie-ups until FY2035, alongside developing inter-state and intra-state transmission capacities. States were urged to adopt financing models like Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) and Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) to strengthen infrastructure.
Smart Metering and Financial Viability
Transforming Distribution Systems
The minister stressed the critical role of the distribution sector, which faces challenges like poor tariff structures and delayed government dues. He urged states to expedite smart meter installation, targeting government establishments by August 2025 and commercial/industrial consumers by November 2025. Smart meters, leveraging AI/ML-based data analytics, can enhance consumer interaction and improve billing efficiency, reducing AT&C losses and the gap between the Average Cost of Supply and Average Revenue.
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Smart Meter Rollout | Target completion for government establishments by August 2025 and commercial/industrial consumers by November 2025 |
| Green Energy Corridor (GEC-III) | States urged to submit proposals for renewable energy infrastructure |
| PM-KUSUM | Urgent execution and signing of PPAs within 7 months |
| Cyber Security | Implement protocols to secure power sector infrastructure |
Promoting Green Energy
Advancing Renewable Energy and Storage
Shri Manohar Lal called for states to promote renewable energy with storage solutions to ensure energy reliability and meet India’s UNFCCC climate commitments. He encouraged submissions for the Green Energy Corridor (GEC-III) and leveraging the Rs. 1.5 lakh crore interest-free loan announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 for infrastructure development.
Addressing Regional Challenges
Collaborative Solutions
The conference, attended by state energy ministers and senior officials, addressed regional challenges like Right of Way (RoW) issues for intra-state transmission and the need for cost-reflective tariffs. Karnataka’s Energy Minister, Shri K. J. George, highlighted steps to improve power supply reliability and sought central support for infrastructure projects. The minister assured states of continued central government support to address these issues.
Key Highlights
- The Regional Power Conference for Southern States/UTs was held on May 23, 2025, in Bengaluru, chaired by Shri Manohar Lal.
- Emphasis on smart meter rollout for government establishments by August 2025 and commercial consumers by November 2025.
- States urged to promote renewable energy and submit proposals for Green Energy Corridor (GEC-III).
- Focus on resource adequacy and transmission capacity development until FY2035.
- Central government support assured for addressing state-specific challenges and ensuring financial viability.