Bharat Electricity Summit 2026: Power Minister Stresses Energy Security, Sector Reforms at Ministerial Meet
Focus on Energy Security and Growth at National Power Meeting
New Delhi, March 20: As the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 entered its second day on Friday, a national power ministerial meeting chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal focused on energy security, sector reforms, and future growth strategies.Addressing the gathering, the minister said the summit would play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, underlining the importance of the power sector in supporting economic growth and infrastructure development.
India Crosses 520 GW Installed Power Capacity
Highlighting recent progress, Manohar Lal stated that India has surpassed 520 GW of installed power capacity. He also pointed to improvements in the performance of distribution companies, expansion of smart metering, and a reduction in power shortages across the country.He called for stronger coordination between the Centre and states to ensure affordable and efficient power generation, transmission, and distribution.
Push for Renewable Energy and Nuclear Power
Amid global uncertainties, the minister emphasized the need to strengthen energy security by increasing per capita power consumption and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.He also highlighted the role of nuclear power as a clean energy source within India’s evolving energy mix.
Technology and AI to Drive Power Sector Transformation
The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik. It was attended by senior officials including Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi, and energy ministers from various states and Union Territories.Naik highlighted the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in transforming the sector, identifying smart metering as a key reform initiative. He noted that nearly half of India’s installed capacity now comes from non fossil fuel sources and referred to the draft National Electricity Policy as a roadmap for long term growth.
Government Releases CSRD and DUR Reports for FY25
During the meeting, the Ministry of Power released two key reports for FY25: the Consumer Service Ratings of Discoms and the Distribution Utilities Ranking.The CSRD report assesses utilities on consumer service parameters such as billing efficiency, grievance redressal, and transparency. According to the government, 6 discoms were rated A+, 21 received A ratings, and 27 were rated B+.
The DUR report offers a comprehensive evaluation of distribution utilities based on financial, operational, and service performance, with 66 utilities participating in the latest assessment.
Roadmap for a Stronger Power Sector
The discussions at the ministerial meeting underscored the government’s focus on strengthening the power sector through reforms, technology adoption, and coordinated policy execution, while ensuring long term energy security for the country.Disclaimer: Due care and diligence have been taken in compiling and presenting news and market-related content. However, errors or omissions may arise despite such efforts.
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