Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar on Wednesday reviewed departmental projects and issued strict instructions to all five power distribution companies to speed up recruitment against sanctioned posts. He directed that advertisements for the recruitment process must be released by next month without fail. The minister also emphasized that all sanctioned 132 KV substations should be completed at the earliest. Raising concern over frequent power tripping despite ongoing maintenance and scheme-based works, he called for a permanent solution. He suggested implementing a pilot project on a selected feeder by applying all possible solutions to ensure zero tripping. If successful, the model should be replicated across other feeders. Highlighting consumer service issues, Tomar said delayed delivery of electricity bills and sudden increases in billing amounts lead to inconvenience. He directed officials to take action against defaulters within the first or second month itself, enabling consumers to clear dues on time. The minister instructed that strict action be taken against Chief Engineers (CE) and Superintending Engineers (SE) who fail to deliver satisfactory performance. He stressed continuous monitoring of maintenance works through senior officers. Keeping in view the upcoming summer and monsoon seasons, he directed preparation of a strategy to reduce overloading on power transformers. He also called for removing hurdles in rooftop solar installations and blacklisting vendors who fail to perform. All services under the Public Service Guarantee Act must be delivered within the stipulated time frame.

 

Tomar ordered a thorough inquiry of incorrect and false billing cases, ensuring timely resolution. He suggested decentralization of powers, if required, to improve efficiency. He also directed organizing public grievance redressal camps at distribution center and divisional levels. Declaring the current financial year as the “Year of Revenue Recovery and Consumer Satisfaction,” the minister asked companies to prepare structured action plans. He said engineers delivering excellent performance should be honored and added that he would personally recognize such officers. To address staff shortages in recovery work, he suggested hiring retired engineers and employees if necessary. He also advised exploring additional revenue sources by allowing advertisements on power company buildings. Priority should be given to recovering dues from major defaulters. The minister directed that all works related to Simhastha be completed within the stipulated time with strict attention to quality. He reviewed transmission company works in detail and also discussed providing incentives to employees. Instructions were issued to replace overloaded transformers and review the progress of new power generation units, including solar and pumped storage projects. During the meeting, Energy Secretary Vishesh Garhpale, along with senior officials including Ajay Gupta (MD, East Zone DISCOM), Rishi Garg (MD, Central Zone DISCOM), Anoop Singh (MD, West Zone DISCOM), Sunil Tiwari (MD, Power Transmission Company), and Manjeet Singh (MD, MP Power Generating Company), presented updates on ongoing works and projects.