Rajesh Dangi, Secretary at the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, plays a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable, reliable and consumer-centric electricity ecosystem in Delhi. At present, his key responsibilities encompass enhancing consumer awareness and stakeholder engagement, streamlining grievance redressal mechanisms, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing effective implementation of green tariff structures, net metering options and banking provisions.
With regard to the Delhi power sector, Dangi highlights notable improvements across multiple fronts in recent years. “Fewer outages and greater grid stability have increased the reliability of power supply. Over the past two decades, infrastructure investments and power grid upgrades have significantly reduced AT&C losses. Regulations promoting rooftop solar installations and grid-connected solar projects have bolstered renewable energy capacity and reduced reliance on conventional sources. Consumer satisfaction remains a priority,” he underscores, with efforts made to improve billing accuracy and customer service. He adds, “Efficient revenue collection and operational cost management by discoms have also enhanced financial viability. Initiatives aimed at improving the affordability of electricity, have further propelled the sector’s growth.”
However, Dangi says, challenges persist. “Rapid urbanisation and population growth in Delhi have escalated electricity consumption, exacerbating demand-supply gaps and necessitating capacity augmentation. Discoms in Delhi also face financial sustainability issues due to huge regulatory assets, tariff rationalisation pressures and subsidy dependence.
Dangi feels that the coming years will be shaped by policy reforms, infrastructure investments and technological advancements. He anticipates significant renewable energy expansion in Delhi, driven by favourable policies and declining costs. Investments in advanced metering infrastructure, distribution automation and energy storage technologies will enhance energy system resilience. The uptake of electric vehicles is also expected to accelerate in Delhi, He stresses the need for continued improvements in regulatory processes, market competition, and private sector participation to boost the business environment. “Investments in grid infrastructure, cybersecurity and disaster preparedness will be crucial for risk mitigation and enhancing the reliability and security of Delhi’s electricity supply,” he adds.