Rajasthan Seeks Central Support for Smart Metering, Battery Storage Initiatives

Rajasthan's Minister of State for Energy (Independent Charge), Heeralal Nagar, has urged the central government to implement the smart meter programme on a 60:40 cost-sharing basis, similar to the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

He stated that such an arrangement would significantly help electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) in reducing their financial losses. Additionally, he called for increased central assistance to promote battery energy storage projects to meet the state’s growing peak power demand.

Nagar made these appeals during a Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting on the 'Viability of Distribution Utilities,' which was conducted via video conference from Vidyut Bhawan. The meeting, chaired by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, took place in Mumbai.

The discussions saw participation from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with energy ministers and senior officials from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. From Rajasthan, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, Alok, and DISCOMs Chairperson, Aarti Dogra, joined the meeting via video conferencing.

During the meeting, Nagar highlighted Rajasthan’s commitment to expanding solar energy as an affordable and sustainable alternative to costly thermal power. He noted that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, the state has received sanctions for over 12,000 MW of solar energy projects, with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) already signed for 4,355 MW.

The state is also exploring innovative models like the Hybrid Annuity Model to accelerate its transition towards clean energy. In addition, rooftop solar adoption has seen a significant boost, with 136 MW of capacity installed under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. These efforts, he emphasised, have led to a remarkable increase in decentralised solar power generation across Rajasthan in the past year.

DISCOMs Chairperson, Aarti Dogra, presented a detailed overview of the reforms and technological advancements being implemented to shift agricultural power consumption towards decentralised solar energy. She outlined how these measures are aimed at reducing the cost of power purchases, lowering operational expenses, and cutting down Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.

The discussions underscored Rajasthan’s proactive approach in leveraging renewable resources to improve the financial viability of its DISCOMs. By seeking central government collaboration, the state is pushing for stronger federal support to address the challenges posed by the evolving energy landscape and ensure a more sustainable and efficient power distribution system.