On February 23, 2023, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), K Sanjay Murthy, convened a National Conference dedicated to examining the power sector. The event featured participation from State Power Secretaries and high-ranking officials from the Union Ministry of Power. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalized between the CAG and the Vasudha Foundation, aimed at enhancing capacity-building efforts and conducting in-depth audits within the power sector.

Participation of Key Figures

The conference was attended by notable personalities, including the Chairpersons of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), along with the Chairmen and Managing Directors of NTPC Limited, NHPC Limited, and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Representatives from Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Grid Controller of India Limited (Grid-India), and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) were also present. Moreover, heads of various state-run power generation, transmission, and distribution companies, alongside delegates from the Vasudha Foundation, contributed to the discussions aimed at advancing clean energy initiatives.

Aims of the Conference

In his opening remarks, CAG K Sanjay Murthy expressed that the central purpose of this conference was to collect innovative ideas, exchange best practices, and develop a detailed audit plan for a sector deemed vital to the nation’s economy. He indicated that the outcomes from this conference would inform the formulation of the audit plan, which is intended to align with national objectives for the power sector and the broader goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Integration of Advanced Technologies

CAG Murthy emphasized the increasing influence of artificial intelligence and big data analytics in enhancing sector capabilities. He mentioned strategic tools such as the National Power Portal and initiatives from CEA and NITI Aayog’s India Climate and Energy Dashboard. He called on auditors to synchronize their priorities with these technological advancements, proposing the creation of a three to four-year pipeline of audit products to support both Union and State government aspirations.

Electricity Consumption Targets

During the address, he highlighted the significant need to elevate per-capita electricity consumption from the current level of 1,460 kWh to 2,000 kWh by 2030, and further to 4,000 kWh by 2047. This increase is contingent on providing reliable, financially sustainable, and environmentally-friendly power. Notably, electricity generation has surged from 1,168 billion units (BU) in 2015-16 to an anticipated 1,824 BU by 2025-26, with non-fossil energy sources surpassing 50 percent of total capacity five years ahead of projections.

Calls for Specific Recommendations

CERC Chairperson Jishnu Barua urged for actionable, time-sensitive recommendations relating to resource adequacy, grid preparedness, and reforms in distribution companies (DISCOMs), alongside advancements in digitalization and energy storage. He stressed that effective planning, timely execution, and transparent reporting are critical to ensuring that investments yield dependable energy supplies and sustainable outcomes for the populace.

Future Audit Initiatives

Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, pointed out the crucial balance between affordability, reliability, and security within the “energy trilemma,” accentuating the vital contribution of renewable energy to India’s transition. He remarked on India’s emergence as the world’s second-largest manufacturer of solar energy modules, trailing only China. In addition, Additional Deputy CAG Guljari Lal announced the initiation of a performance audit focused on the operational and financial performance of DISCOMs and the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, along with a broadened audit scope encompassing areas like transmission capacity and regulatory challenges.

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