72.4 million smart meters installed across the country, major reforms in the power sector strengthen the energy system
📍New Delhi | M Bharat 24 News Live
The impact of the central government's efforts to modernize and consumer-centric power sector in the country is now clearly visible. To strengthen the power distribution system, 72.4 million smart meters have been installed across the country, leading to control of power theft, reduction of line losses, and more transparent and reliable service for consumers.
According to the central government, 9,470 MW of fossil fuel-based and 55,225 MW of non-fossil fuel-based new power generation capacity was added in the financial year 2025-26. Additionally, 2,668.54 MW / 7,785.6 MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) were installed, and 12,139 circuit kilometers of new transmission lines were extended.
The government is further strengthening the power system through grid modernization, green energy corridors, battery energy storage, and pumped storage projects. Under the National Electricity Plan, a target has been set to develop 47 gigawatts of battery energy storage capacity by 2031-32 and 100 gigawatts of pumped storage capacity by 2035-36.
Under the Revised Distribution Area Scheme (RDSS), 72.4 million smart meters have been installed so far. This scheme has increased the efficiency of power distribution companies, and consumers are benefiting from accurate billing and improved power supply.
As a result of the government's reforms, AT&C losses in the country have declined from 21.91 percent in fiscal year 2020-21 to 15.04 percent in 2024-25. At the same time, power distribution companies have achieved a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹2,701 crore for the first time. The average power supply has reached 22.6 hours in rural areas and 23.6 hours in urban areas per day.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik said that reforms related to power generation, transmission, distribution and energy storage are important steps towards strengthening India's energy security as well as a clean and reliable power system.
