§ In a webinar addressed to key stakeholders in the power sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the central government is working to remove problems in the distribution sector and a policy and regulatory framework for discoms is in the offing.
Addressing a webinar for consultations on implementing the Union budget proposals for the power and renewable energy sector, the PM noted that a consumer should be able to choose his/her supplier as per performance like any other retail commodity. Further, he mentioned work is on to free distribution sector of entry barriers and licensing for distribution and supply. Efforts are also underway for prepaid smart meter, feeder separation, and system upgradation, he noted. Further, the ministry of power has floated a draft Electricity Bill with these reforms and policy changes. The central government also aims to produce 40 GW of solar power in the next one-and-a-half years through rooftop solar projects. Additionally, the high efficiency solar PV modules were now part of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and the government was committed to invest Rs 45 billion in it. Under the PLI Scheme, 10,000 MW capacity integrated solar PV manufacturing plants will be operationalised with an estimated investment of Rs 140 billion, which would increase demand for locally produced materials.