Union Minister Reviews Power Sector Development In Puducherry, Emphasizes Renewable Energy Initiatives

Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, conducted a review of the power sector in the Union Territory of Puducherry at Raj Niwas. The meeting included significant figures such as the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, the Chief Minister of the Union Territory, and the Minister for the Electricity Department. Senior officials from the UT administration and the Ministry of Power also participated.

The meeting began with a presentation outlining the current power sector situation in Puducherry. Officials from the UT Electricity Department detailed the progress on projects sanctioned by the Government of India under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at enhancing the availability and quality of power supply throughout the territory. During the discussions, major challenges in the power sector were identified, and potential solutions were proposed. The Electricity Department also made several requests to the Ministry of Power.

In his address, Shri Manohar Lal highlighted the importance of his visit for understanding and addressing the issues within Puducherry’s power sector. He stressed the need for timely payments by government departments to improve financial stability and urged the UT government to work on reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, as well as addressing the Average Cost of Supply-Average Revenue Realized (ACS-ARR) gap. The Minister encouraged the UT government to expedite the implementation of projects sanctioned under RDSS and to adopt the reforms outlined in the scheme.

He also proposed a consumer engagement plan to raise awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, encouraging citizens to install rooftop solar systems. Additionally, he recommended the development of new solar and wind power generation plants, as well as the consideration of floating solar generation plants to enhance Puducherry’s energy capabilities.

The Union Minister assured the UT government of continued support from the Government of India for its development initiatives. The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister welcomed the Minister’s visit and committed to taking the necessary measures for the swift implementation of distribution infrastructure projects in Puducherry.