India Urges Power Utilities to Lower Supply Costs and Introduce Cost-Reflective Tariffs

India's power ministry is urging utilities to reduce electricity supply costs by securing coal at lower prices, rationalizing transmission charges, and integrating cheaper renewable energy. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal highlighted that India's industrial power tariff, around 95 per megawatt hour, is higher than in countries like China and the US. The ministry also plans to introduce an Electricity Amendment Bill with cost-reflective tariffs to reduce losses for distribution companies and improve affordability. States are encouraged to have more input in capacity planning, and data-sharing policies for smart meters are being developed.