ENA Sectors 2026-03-20 17:05:18 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Mar 20 (KNN)</strong> Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Friday said that Centre and states must collaborate to ensure efficient and affordable power generation, transmission, and distribution.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Speaking at National Power Ministerial Meet, he stressed the need to accelerate renewable energy adoption and enhance energy security amid global uncertainties.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The National Power Ministerial Meet was held today, the second day of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, and was chaired by the Union power minister.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Shripad Naik, Minister of State (MoS), Power and New &amp; Renewable Energy co-chaired the conference, with participation from state energy ministers and senior officials.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In his address, the power minister noted Indias progress, including over 520 GW of installed capacity, improved performance of distribution companies (DISCOMs), expansion of smart metering, and reduced power shortages.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Lal also assured full support from Centre to states in implementing necessary reforms, including legal and administrative measures.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Emphasis on Technology and Clean Energy</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">MoS Naik underscored the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in the power sector, particularly in areas such as smart metering.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He noted that nearly half of Indias installed capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources and highlighted the importance of the draft National Electricity Policy in guiding future growth.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Reports on DISCOM Performance Released</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">During the meeting, the Power Ministry released two reports for FY 2024 25. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Consumer Service Ratings of DISCOMs (CSRD) evaluates utilities on parameters such as billing accuracy, grievance redressal and service quality, with 66 DISCOMs assessed, of which 6 were rated A+, 21 A and 27 B+, reflecting improved service standards and higher consumer satisfaction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Distribution Utilities Ranking (DUR) provides a comprehensive assessment based on financial health, operational efficiency, institutional capability and service delivery outcomes, with a total of 66 utilities participating in this years evaluation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span><br /> </p> 45533 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/centre-and-states-must-collaborate-for-efficient-power-generation-distribution-minister 2026-03-20 17:05:18 knnindia.co.in