Power Minister Manohar Lal Says Strong Power Distribution Companies Are Essential for India’s Energy Future

Power Minister Manohar Lal Says Strong Power Distribution Companies Are Essential for India’s Energy Future

January 22, 2026

India’s Minister of Power, Manohar Lal, has highlighted the urgent need for financially strong and efficient electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) to support the nation’s expanding economy and renewable energy goals during the opening of the Electricity Distribution Industry Conference (EDICON 2026) in New Delhi. Speaking on 21 January at the two-day event, Mr. Lal said robust DISCOMs are essential to deliver reliable power to consumers and to underpin the country’s move towards a renewable energy-led power sector.

At EDICON 2026, organized by the Ministry of Power alongside the All India Discoms Association (AIDA), the minister called on State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to adopt tariffs that reflect actual costs while ensuring that subsidies reach those who need them most, in line with the Electricity Act. He stressed that improving the financial health and operational strength of DISCOMs will be key to meeting rising demand and improving service quality as India’s power needs grow.

During the conference, Mr. Lal also unveiled the first annual outlook report titled India Discoms: 2025, which reviews current efforts by distribution firms to enhance supply reliability and efficiency, outlines challenges, and summarizes government and regulator initiatives including proposed amendments to the Electricity Act and strategic energy frameworks.

In recognition of excellence in performance, the minister presented awards to 12 DISCOMs across several categories, including improvements in rural revenue recovery, smart meter usage, customer satisfaction through digital payments, renewable integration, and agricultural feeder solarization. Winners came from states such as Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The conference brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Power, AIDA leadership and sector stakeholders to discuss strengthening India’s electricity distribution framework as the country pursues ambitious growth and clean energy targets