"Basing on the execution of different infrastructure works at different fields on priority basis, the AT&C loss level can be reduced in a phased manner to 20.5 per cent as projected by the Government of India. R-APDRP (Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme) assistance of Rs 396 crore for Cesu (Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha Ltd) was considered by the Government of India out of which the first tranche of Rs 79.2 crore has been disbursed so far. Basing on the requirement of the system, Rs 4,200 crore is required for enabling IPDS in a time-bound manner," said state energy minister Pranab Prakash Das.
IPDS envisages 24x7 power supply to urban consumers, reduction of AT&C loss and access of electricity to all urban households.
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The IPDS, approved in November 2014, envisages strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network including metering at all levels in urban areas. The earlier scheme of R-APDRP has been subsumed in the new scheme of IPDS. Power Finance Corporation (PFC) is the nodal agency for IPDS.
All distribution companies (discoms) including private discoms and state power departments are eligible for financial assistance under this scheme. The discoms will assess the need for strengthening the urban distribution networks and will formulate bankable detailed project reports (DPRs) for coverage under the scheme. The DPRs will be recommended by the existing Distribution Reforms Committee (DRC) at the state level under the chairmanship of the chief secretary.
The DPRs will be placed for approval of the monitoring committee under the chairmanship of secretary (power). After this, a suitable tripartite agreement will be executed between PFC, the state government and the discom.