A high level National Power Ministerial Meet convened during the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 focused on strengthening energy security, accelerating reforms and improving power sector performance, with the Centre assuring full support to States and Union Territories.
The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal and co chaired by Shripad Naik Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy. It was attended by Gulab Chand Kataria Administrator of Chandigarh and Punjab, Pankaj Agarwal Secretary Power, Santosh Kumar Sarangi Secretary Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, along with Energy Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories.
Focus On Energy Security And Sectoral Reforms
Addressing the meeting, Manohar Lal emphasised that the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 will play a key role in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He highlighted that a robust and reliable power sector is fundamental to economic growth, infrastructure expansion and industrial development.
He noted that India has achieved over 520 gigawatt of installed power capacity, improved performance of distribution companies, expanded smart meter deployment and significantly reduced power shortages.
Calling for coordinated action between the Centre and States, he stressed the need to ensure affordable, efficient and reliable power generation, transmission and distribution across the country. He also underlined the importance of enhancing per capita energy consumption and accelerating the transition towards renewable energy in view of global uncertainties.
Manohar Lal highlighted the role of nuclear energy as a clean and sustainable source and described the SHANTI Act as an important policy step in strengthening the sector. He assured States of full support from the Centre in implementing necessary legal and administrative reforms.
Technology And Clean Energy Transition
Shripad Naik highlighted the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence in the power sector, particularly through initiatives such as smart metering.
He stated that nearly half of India’s installed capacity now comes from non fossil fuel sources and emphasised the importance of the draft National Electricity Policy in guiding the sector towards long term sustainability and growth aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Senior officials, including Pankaj Agarwal and Santosh Kumar Sarangi, stressed the need for coordinated policy implementation and collective efforts to meet the country’s growing energy demand while expanding clean energy capacity.
Key Reports On DISCOM Performance Released
During the meeting, the Ministry of Power released two major reports for the financial year 2024 25 to assess the performance of power distribution utilities across the country.
Consumer Service Ratings of DISCOMS Report
The Consumer Service Ratings of DISCOMS report evaluates the quality of consumer services provided by distribution companies, including metering accuracy, billing efficiency, grievance redressal and tariff transparency.
The report assigns grades ranging from A plus to D to DISCOMs based on their performance. Out of 66 DISCOMs assessed, 6 were rated A plus, 21 received A grade and 27 were rated B plus.
The findings indicate a positive national trend with an increasing number of DISCOMs achieving higher ratings and a reduction in the number falling into lower performance categories, reflecting improvements in service delivery and consumer satisfaction.
Distributing Utilities Ranking Report
The Distributing Utilities Ranking report provides a comprehensive evaluation of 66 power utilities based on institutional capability, financial sustainability, operational efficiency and service delivery.
The report adopts a multi dimensional framework to assess the overall health of distribution utilities and aims to promote a financially viable, efficient and consumer centric power distribution ecosystem.
Strengthening Power Sector For Future Growth
The ministerial meet underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the Centre and States to strengthen the power sector, enhance service quality and ensure long term energy security.
The discussions highlighted the need for sustained reforms, adoption of advanced technologies and expansion of renewable energy capacity to support India’s economic growth and development objectives.
The meeting reinforced the government’s commitment to building a resilient, efficient and sustainable power ecosystem capable of meeting future demand while supporting the transition to clean energy.
