Rajasthan prioritises financial strength of DISCOMs, pushes renewable energy for sustainable power sector

Jaipur, July 13 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Secretary, V. Srinivas, has reaffirmed that strengthening the financial health of the state’s power distribution companies (DISCOMs) remains a key priority of the government.

Emphasising financial discipline, the adoption of modern technologies, and the timely implementation of renewable energy projects, he said these measures are essential to building a sustainable, self-reliant and efficient power sector in the state.

Chairing the third high-level review meeting at the Government Secretariat on Monday, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of debt restructuring, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, the Green Energy Corridor Phase-II and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

He directed officials to ensure the timely implementation of all key initiatives. Highlighting the importance of financial stability, Srinivas said strengthening the balance sheets of Rajasthan’s DISCOMs is crucial for improving power sector performance.

He stressed the need to maintain financial discipline, adopt modern technologies and accelerate renewable energy projects to ensure long-term sustainability.

Reviewing the pilot Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, the Chief Secretary said the technology would enable efficient storage of surplus electricity generated under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and other solar power projects.

He noted that battery storage would significantly reduce the need to purchase expensive electricity during peak demand hours, resulting in substantial annual savings for DISCOMs and ultimately benefiting consumers through improved and cost-effective power supply.

Officials informed the meeting that sites for the BESS projects have already been identified across various circles of the Jaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur DISCOMs. The Chief Secretary directed that all projects be completed within the stipulated timelines.

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing debt restructuring of the state’s power distribution companies. Officials stated that the re-pricing of high-interest loans from the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has already begun generating significant annual interest savings.

The Chief Secretary instructed officials to expedite the restructuring of the remaining high-interest loans through close coordination with the financial institutions to further strengthen the financial position of the utilities.

Reviewing the progress of the Green Energy Corridor Phase-II projects in Hanumangarh and Udaipur, Srinivas directed officials to complete the works within the prescribed schedule. He said the projects would facilitate seamless transmission of renewable energy across the state while strengthening Rajasthan’s electricity transmission network and supporting its transition towards clean energy.

To maximise the reach of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Chief Secretary directed the Energy Department to prepare a comprehensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy and launch an extensive public awareness campaign to ensure that more households benefit from the flagship scheme.

The meeting was attended by Energy Secretary and DISCOM Chairperson Aarti Dogra, the Managing Directors of the Jaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur DISCOMs, representatives of REC and PFC, and Resident Commissioner Rohit Kumar, who joined the meeting via video conference from Delhi.

–IANS

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