Roundtable Discussion on “Implementation of Distribution Performance Standards in Madhya Pradesh”

USAID, through its South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) program, has been actively supporting the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) in a study titled ‘Developing a Methodology for Monitoring the Implementation of Distribution Performance Standards.’ This study focuses on improving the adherence of Madhya Pradesh’s distribution utilities (DISCOMs) to the guaranteed performance standards outlined in the MPERC (Distribution Performance Standards) Regulations, 2012, and its subsequent amendments. The goal of the study is to enhance the quality of service provided to electricity consumers in the state.

As part of this initiative, MPERC, in partnership with USAID’s SAREP, hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Implementation of Distribution Performance Standards in Madhya Pradesh” on August 30, 2024 at the MPERC office in Bhopal. The event gathered key stakeholders, including DISCOMs from across the state (MP West Zone, MP Central Zone, and MP East Zone DISCOMs) to discuss strategies for enhancing compliance to distribution performance standards, and to collaboratively chart a path towards improved electricity service delivery for consumers.

During the roundtable discussion, SAREP presented the findings and recommendations from its study, which were derived from extensive consultations with Madhya Pradesh’s DISCOMs, including on-site visits and in-depth assessments of existing infrastructure and operational processes. The findings highlighted the challenges faced by DISCOMs in adhering to performance standards and emphasized key areas for improvement, such as the need for enhanced infrastructure readiness, clearer regulatory guidelines, and streamlined processes for compliance with distribution performance standards.

The roundtable was instrumental in laying the groundwork for a more robust, transparent, and consumer-centric electricity distribution system in Madhya Pradesh, with concrete action items identified. SAREP will continue to provide technical support to both MPERC and MP DISCOMs to facilitate a smooth transition towards this improved system, encouraging adherence to distribution performance standards. With a shared commitment to action and collaboration, stakeholders are optimistic about achieving tangible improvements in service delivery and consumer satisfaction in the near future.