The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval to launch "Integrated Power Development Scheme" (IPDS) with the objectives of:
1. Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network in the urban areas; 2. Metering of distribution transformers /feeders / consumers in the urban areas. 3. IT enablement of distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network as per CCEA approval dated 21.06.2013 for completion of targets laid down under Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (RAPDRP) for 12th and 13th Plans by carrying forward the approved outlay for RAPDRP to IPDS.
The scheme will help in reduction in AT&C losses, establishment of IT enabled energy accounting / auditing system, improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and improvement in collection efficiency.
The estimated cost of the present scheme with the components of strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks, including metering of consumers in the urban areas is Rs. 32,612 crore which includes the requirement of budgetary support from Government of India of Rs. 25,354 crore over the entire implementation period.
The component of IT enablement of distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network approved by CCEA in June, 2013 in the form of RAPDRP for 12th and 13th Plans will get subsumed in this scheme and CCEA-approved scheme outlay of Rs.44,011 crore including a budgetary support of Rs. 22,727 crore will be carried over to the new scheme of IPDS.
The process of sanction of projects shall commence immediately. After sanction of projects, contracts for execution of projects are to be awarded by States Discoms / Power Departments. The projects shall be completed within 24 months from date of award.
