Title: Distribution sector reforms in India: the tasks ahead

Authors: Tripta Thakur

Addresses: Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, India

Abstract: The distribution sector is the focus of the ongoing power reforms in India, mainly due to its key role in realising the sales proceeds and, therefore, in ensuring the financial viability of the entire power sector. This paper details some of the problems plaguing the distribution sector and spells an overview of the various efforts and the reform measures initiated by the government of India to ensure that the sector becomes financially and operationally viable. This paper also discusses some of the important areas where certain issues need to be addressed by the policy makers to ensure that the distribution sector becomes efficient. The paper discusses these issues that include reorganisation of the distribution sector through optimal zoning, the issue of efficiency measurement through benchmarking of distribution utilities, privatisation-related aspects, the role of regulatory commissions, implementation of Multi-Year Tariff framework, and the need for universal metering.

Keywords: distribution sector; power sector reform; India; policy; optimal zoning; efficiency measurement; benchmarking; privatisation; multi-year tariff framework; universal metering; electricity reform; regulatory commissions; developing countries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2005.006886

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2005 Vol.23 No.2/3, pp.196 - 217

Published online: 20 Apr 2005 *

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