Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Centre is pressing ahead with a wide-ranging programme to upgrade India’s power sector, combining policy changes, international collaboration, technological modernisation and a push for green and digital energy solutions, Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik told the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
In a written reply to an unstarred question, Naik said the government’s efforts are focused on delivering dependable, affordable and environmentally sustainable electricity, while reinforcing the country’s long-term energy security and advancing its clean energy goals.
According to the minister, the Ministry of Power is working closely with foreign governments, multilateral agencies and industry groups to strengthen cooperation across power generation, transmission and distribution. These engagements are being carried out through various global and regional forums, including the G20, BRICS, International Solar Alliance, Clean Energy Ministerial, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN and the One Sun One World One Grid initiative.
Naik said a series of reforms have been rolled out to update power sector laws, improve institutional governance and enhance services for electricity consumers. Key measures include steps to ensure timely clearance of dues, facilitate green energy open access, enforce renewable consumption obligations and strengthen resource adequacy planning.
He noted that under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, infrastructure projects worth more than ₹2.83 lakh crore have received approval, with a strong emphasis on the deployment of smart meters and the adoption of artificial intelligence for demand forecasting and asset management.
The minister added that the government is also taking steps to expand digitalisation, strengthen energy storage capacity and improve the integration of renewable energy, with the objective of maintaining a resilient, stable and secure power grid.
