Western Regional Power Conference Highlights Push for Smart Metering and Green Energy Zones

On May 13, 2025, the Regional Power Conference for Western States was held in Mumbai, with the presence of key Union and State leaders, including Union Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis. The conference brought together power ministers, officials, and utility leaders from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the power sector. Key focus areas included smart metering, reducing AT&C losses, enhancing transmission capacity, and creating special green energy zones to help India achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Why in News?

The Western Regional Power Conference held on May 13, 2025, aimed to strengthen cooperation between Central and State governments to address the evolving needs of the Indian power sector. With a focus on modernization, sustainability, and financial viability, the conference saw critical policy directions and commitments, including the push for prepaid smart metering in government establishments and the development of green energy zones.

Key Highlights from the Conference

• Venue: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Date: May 13, 2025

Participants

• Union Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal
• Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis
• MoS Power Shri Shripad Naik
• Energy Ministers from Goa, Gujarat, MP, and Maharashtra

Major Announcements and Resolutions

Smart Metering Push

• Prepaid smart meters to be installed in all government offices and colonies by August 2025
• Focus on AI/ML-driven data analytics to enhance consumer interaction with utilities
• Support provided under RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme)

Green Energy and Net Zero Goals

• Call for special green energy zones across states
• Importance of pumped storage and battery storage systems emphasized
• Target to increase nuclear generation capacity to 100 GW by 2047

Financial Viability of DISCOMs

• States urged to reduce AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses
• Emphasis on cost-reflective tariffs
• Prompt payment of government dues and subsidies to DISCOMs

Transmission Infrastructure Development

• Need for capacity tie-ups up to FY 2035 as per resource adequacy plans
• Use of TBCB (Tariff Based Competitive Bidding), RTM, budgetary support
• Development of inter-state and intra-state transmission networks

Cybersecurity and Power Security

• States directed to implement power islanding schemes
• Deployment of cybersecurity protocols to secure transmission grids

Background and Significance

• India’s electricity demand is projected to rise significantly by 2035.
• A robust, modern, and green power system is vital for India’s goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Green zones and smart metering will make the distribution sector consumer-friendly and efficient.
• Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa recognized for progress in reducing AT&C losses.