The Ministry of Power has released its 13th annual integrated ratings report for FY 2024, evaluating the financial and operational performance of 52 power distribution companies (DISCOMs). The assessment covered parameters like the Average Cost of Supply–Average Realizable Revenue (ACS-ARR) gap, Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, billing efficiency, collection efficiency, governance, subsidy realisation, and tariff cycle adherence. 

Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd. (AEML) retained its top position with an integrated score of 99.8, driven by improvements across key metrics. AEML reduced its AT&C losses from 6.48% in FY23 to 6.12% in FY24 and increased billing efficiency from 93.73% to 94.13%. The ACS-ARR gap improved by Rs 0.91/kWh, while days receivable and payable were cut to 15 and 37 days, respectively. 

Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company secured second place with a score of 97.5, excelling in AT&C loss reduction and collection efficiency. Noida Power Company ranked third with a score of 97.2, showing better liquidity management despite a slight increase in its ACS-ARR gap. Other top performers included Madhya Gujarat Vij Company, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company, and Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam. 

Overall, AT&C losses across DISCOMs rose from 15.3% to 16.3% due to decreased collection efficiency, while the ACS-ARR gap narrowed from Rs 0.59/kWh to Rs 0.39/kWh, reducing the absolute cash gap to Rs 580 billion. 

(Mercom)