Union Govt extended Power Distribution Reform Package to 12th Plan

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 21 June 2013 decided to extend the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDR) for the 12th Five-Year Plan period in order to strengthen the distribution sector.

The R-APDR programme was launched by the government in 11th Plan with a purpose of reducing distribution loss.

The scheme is going to cost around 10830 crore rupees in the 12th Plan and 11897 crore  rupees as spill over cost in the 13th Plan.

The Union government is already planning to facilitate loans of 50000 crore rupees to the states in order to implement the programme. Out of the stated amount 31577 crore rupees is going to be converted into grant.

It is worth mentioning here that, during the 11th Plan, projects worth 5242.64 crore rupees covering 1401 villages in 29 States and Union Territories have already been sanctioned.

About Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms (R-APDR) Programme

The focus of the R-APDR programme is on actual, demonstrable performance in terms of sustained loss reduction. Establishment of reliable and automated systems for sustained collection of accurate base line data, and the adoption of Information Technology in the areas of energy accounting will be essential before taking up the regular distribution strengthening projects.

The R-APDRP programme is divided into two parts. The first part includes projects for establishment of baseline data and implementing IT applications, billing and customer care services, among others. The second part includes distribution strengthening projects.

The Programme is proposed to cover urban areas - towns and cities with population of more than 30000 (10,000 in case of special category states). In addition, in certain high-load density rural areas with significant loads, works of separation of agricultural feeders from domestic and industrial ones, and of High Voltage Distribution System (11kV) will also be taken up.