Discom Privatisation and the Need for Competition

Context:

The road to discom privatisation in India faces various challenges, including resistance from stakeholders, political interference, and debates over tariff structures.

1. Importance of Distribution and Sector Performance:

      - Distribution's Vital Role: As the end link in the electricity value chain, power distribution companies (discoms) are crucial for cost recovery, funding capital expenditure, and maintaining consumer tariffs.

     - Government Measures: Despite challenges, government initiatives like the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) have improved efficiency, billing and collection, customer service, and reduced AT&C losses for state-owned discoms.

     - Innovation: Inspite of the challenges in India's discom privatisation journey, a focused approach on inducing competition through innovative models and amendments to past approaches is seen as crucial for long-term success.

2. Privatisation Models and Their Efficacy:

     - Role of Privatisation: Privatisation is seen as a means to induce competition, aligning with the Electricity Act 2003's objectives; however, it is not a guaranteed solution.

     - Historical Examples: Past experiences with models like the Distribution Franchising (DF) highlight the need for a robust regulatory framework, transparent contractual agreements, and a phased approach for sustainable privatisation.

     - Room for Growth: Private discoms cover only around 10% of the population, indicating potential for expansion and a need for diverse models.

3. Regulatory-Based Franchise Model for Sustainable Privatisation:

      - Potential Model: Regulatory-based franchise emerges as a potential solution, contingent on a robust regulatory framework ensuring transparency, fair competition, and protecting consumer and franchisee interests.

     - Performance Standards: The model involves regulatory bodies setting performance standards, tariff structures, and monitoring compliance to create a level playing field for stakeholders.

     - Efficiency and Consumer Satisfaction: With a well-defined regulatory framework, transparent agreements, and a focus on performance standards, this model can significantly enhance efficiency, infrastructure, and consumer satisfaction.