How Power Reliability Has Improved Across India & Why Safety Remains a Critical Focus
The use of live line maintenance (LLM) technology allows repairs without shutting down power, reducing risks for field workers. Arc flash protection and grounding improvements in power substations help in preventing electrical hazards. Strict audits and safety protocols mandated by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) are also playing a significant role in providing improved power services to the end consumers.
July 02, 2025. By News Bureau
India’s power sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Reliability has improved significantly, driven by robust safety measures and cutting-edge technological interventions at the ground level. The days of frequent outages are fading, giving way to a more stable, efficient, and resilient grid that ensures uninterrupted power supply. This progress has been fuelled by a comprehensive strategy—enhancing power generation capacity, expanding electricity access, and implementing forward-thinking policies that prioritise both reliability and safety.
Development of Power Reliability in India
Since gaining independence, India's power sector has undergone significant reforms to enhance reliability and accessibility. In the early decades, challenges such as frequent outages, high transmission losses, and inadequate capacity were prevalent, with State Electricity Boards (SEBs) facing financial and operational difficulties. The Electricity Act of 2003 marked a pivotal reform, unbundling SEBs into separate entities for generation, transmission, and distribution, thereby encouraging private sector participation and competitive markets. Further advancements came with the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) in 2015, aiming to financially and operationally revitalise power distribution companies (DISCOMs) through improved infrastructure and efficiency measures.
Advancements and Increased Reliability
Complementing these efforts, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) achieved 100 percent village electrification by April 28, 2018, electrifying 18,374 previously un-electrified villages. Consequently, average electricity availability in rural areas increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 21.9 hours, while urban areas now experience up to 23.4 hours of supply. Additionally, as of December 2024, India's installed renewable energy capacity reached 209.44 GW, accounting for approximately 45.3 percent of the country's total power generation capacity. These initiatives, alongside the integration of smart grid technologies and digital metering, have collectively positioned India towards a stable, resilient, and sustainable power future.
If the mid-2000s saw the launch of major electrification programs, schemes such as the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) played a key role in expanding the grid and modernising infrastructure. With initiatives like ‘Power for All’ and ‘Saubhagya Yojana,’ India has made rapid strides toward universal electrification.
Additionally, the introduction of the Consumer Service Ratings for Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) has significantly motivated these entities to enhance their performance. By publicly evaluating and ranking DISCOMs based on consumer service metrics, a competitive environment has been fostered, encouraging improvements in service delivery. The ratings have led to a notable decline in the number of DISCOMs receiving the lowest grades, dropping from 12 in 2021 to four in 2023, indicating substantial improvements in consumer services.
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS): A Game-Changer
One of the most impactful initiatives in recent years has been the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched in 2021. This reforms-based and results-linked program focuses on reducing power distribution losses, strengthening infrastructure, and modernising metering systems. Under this scheme, the government has sanctioned the deployment of over 20.46 crore prepaid smart meters for consumers, 54 lakh smart distribution transformer meters, and 1.98 lakh smart feeder meters.
RDSS aims to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 12-15 percent while eliminating financial gaps in power distribution. By enabling prepaid smart metering, the scheme improves billing accuracy and minimises revenue losses. As India moves towards a more digitally connected power grid, RDSS is expected to be a transformative force in ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply with better safety protocols.
Multifaceted Headway and Resilience in Power Reliability
Over recent years, India's power sector has achieved significant advancements to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety. The transmission network expanded to approximately 481,326 circuit kilometers (ckm) by January 31, 2024, bolstering inter-regional power transfer and ensuring a stable electricity supply nationwide. The deployment of smart metering is underway, with plans to install 250 million prepaid smart meters, supported by an investment of INR 1,500 billion and a budgetary allocation of INR 230 billion. Grid automation and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have been implemented to enable real-time monitoring and control, enhancing the overall responsiveness of the power network. These initiatives collectively position India towards a stable, resilient, and sustainable power future.
India’s power sector has significantly evolved with the adoption of advanced technologies, real-time monitoring systems, and AI-driven predictive maintenance. The integration of smart grids has allowed for automated fault detection and self-healing mechanisms, reducing the impact of outages. AI and IoT-based monitoring systems have enabled predictive maintenance, helping prevent equipment failures before they occur.
The use of live line maintenance (LLM) technology allows repairs without shutting down power, reducing risks for field workers. Arc flash protection and grounding improvements in power substations help in preventing electrical hazards. Strict audits and safety protocols mandated by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) are also playing a significant role in providing improved power services to the end consumers.
The Safety Challenge: Preventing On-Ground Fatalities
Safety remains a major concern, particularly for field workers and linemen who handle high-voltage equipment daily. Electrical accidents continue to occur due to inadequate training, lack of protective gear, and aging infrastructure. Many workers are exposed to electrocution risks from live wires, transformer explosions, and faulty distribution networks. The urgency to enhance safety measures is evident, as even minor lapses can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
To address these issues, mandatory safety training programs must be conducted regularly for linemen and technicians, focusing on high-voltage handling, fault detection, and emergency response. Additionally, the use of advanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including insulated gloves, helmets, and arc flash-resistant suits, should be enforced across all power distribution units. Upgrading outdated infrastructure is equally important, as many accidents occur due to weak grounding, exposed wiring, and overloaded transformers.
Strict compliance with electrical safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is another crucial aspect of improving worker safety. Regular audits and inspections should be conducted to ensure that all power sector entities adhere to global best practices. Additionally, public awareness programs should be promoted to educate citizens about the dangers of illegal electricity connections, safe handling of electrical equipment, and emergency response procedures.
A Reliable and Safer Power Future for India
India has made remarkable strides in improving power reliability through policy reforms, technological advancements, and infrastructure upgrades. The Electricity Act of 2003, UDAY, smart grids, and, more recently, the RDSS have all played a crucial role in transforming the sector. As a result, power outages have significantly reduced, financial losses have declined, and overall efficiency has improved.
Amidst this transformation, the frontline workforce – ‘linemen’ remain the backbone of India’s power sector. To honor these unsung heroes who work in challenging conditions to keep the nation powered, Lineman Diwas is celebrated nationwide by Central Electricity Authority in collaboration with Tata Power-DDL and other DISCOMs, TRANSCOS, and GENCOS. The event, themed 'Seva, Suraksha, Swabhiman,' recognises their contributions, promotes safety best practices, and fosters knowledge-sharing at a national level.
However, honouring their service must go beyond recognition; ensuring their safety is paramount. Despite advancements in grid modernisation and automation reducing outages, ground-level workers in transmission and distribution continue to face significant risks. Electrical hazards remain a pressing concern, often leading to fatalities. To truly support these frontline warriors, it is crucial to strengthen safety regulations, provide comprehensive training, and enforce strict compliance standards.
With the fifth edition of Lineman Diwas celebrated on March 4, 2025, efforts are underway to make it a national observance, honouring the frontline workers who keep India powered. Introduced by Tata Power-DDL and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in 2021, the initiative highlights the need for stronger safety measures, better training, and modernised infrastructure to prevent on-ground fatalities.
Ensuring work place safety must remain a top priority. The way forward lies in continuous investment in safety training, upgrading infrastructure, enforcing strict compliance with safety standards, and educating the public on best practices. By addressing both reliability and safety, India can establish a power sector that is not only efficient but also secure for all stakeholders.
Development of Power Reliability in India
Since gaining independence, India's power sector has undergone significant reforms to enhance reliability and accessibility. In the early decades, challenges such as frequent outages, high transmission losses, and inadequate capacity were prevalent, with State Electricity Boards (SEBs) facing financial and operational difficulties. The Electricity Act of 2003 marked a pivotal reform, unbundling SEBs into separate entities for generation, transmission, and distribution, thereby encouraging private sector participation and competitive markets. Further advancements came with the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) in 2015, aiming to financially and operationally revitalise power distribution companies (DISCOMs) through improved infrastructure and efficiency measures.
Advancements and Increased Reliability
Complementing these efforts, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) achieved 100 percent village electrification by April 28, 2018, electrifying 18,374 previously un-electrified villages. Consequently, average electricity availability in rural areas increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 21.9 hours, while urban areas now experience up to 23.4 hours of supply. Additionally, as of December 2024, India's installed renewable energy capacity reached 209.44 GW, accounting for approximately 45.3 percent of the country's total power generation capacity. These initiatives, alongside the integration of smart grid technologies and digital metering, have collectively positioned India towards a stable, resilient, and sustainable power future.
If the mid-2000s saw the launch of major electrification programs, schemes such as the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) played a key role in expanding the grid and modernising infrastructure. With initiatives like ‘Power for All’ and ‘Saubhagya Yojana,’ India has made rapid strides toward universal electrification.
Additionally, the introduction of the Consumer Service Ratings for Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) has significantly motivated these entities to enhance their performance. By publicly evaluating and ranking DISCOMs based on consumer service metrics, a competitive environment has been fostered, encouraging improvements in service delivery. The ratings have led to a notable decline in the number of DISCOMs receiving the lowest grades, dropping from 12 in 2021 to four in 2023, indicating substantial improvements in consumer services.
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS): A Game-Changer
One of the most impactful initiatives in recent years has been the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched in 2021. This reforms-based and results-linked program focuses on reducing power distribution losses, strengthening infrastructure, and modernising metering systems. Under this scheme, the government has sanctioned the deployment of over 20.46 crore prepaid smart meters for consumers, 54 lakh smart distribution transformer meters, and 1.98 lakh smart feeder meters.
RDSS aims to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 12-15 percent while eliminating financial gaps in power distribution. By enabling prepaid smart metering, the scheme improves billing accuracy and minimises revenue losses. As India moves towards a more digitally connected power grid, RDSS is expected to be a transformative force in ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply with better safety protocols.
Multifaceted Headway and Resilience in Power Reliability
Over recent years, India's power sector has achieved significant advancements to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety. The transmission network expanded to approximately 481,326 circuit kilometers (ckm) by January 31, 2024, bolstering inter-regional power transfer and ensuring a stable electricity supply nationwide. The deployment of smart metering is underway, with plans to install 250 million prepaid smart meters, supported by an investment of INR 1,500 billion and a budgetary allocation of INR 230 billion. Grid automation and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have been implemented to enable real-time monitoring and control, enhancing the overall responsiveness of the power network. These initiatives collectively position India towards a stable, resilient, and sustainable power future.
India’s power sector has significantly evolved with the adoption of advanced technologies, real-time monitoring systems, and AI-driven predictive maintenance. The integration of smart grids has allowed for automated fault detection and self-healing mechanisms, reducing the impact of outages. AI and IoT-based monitoring systems have enabled predictive maintenance, helping prevent equipment failures before they occur.
The use of live line maintenance (LLM) technology allows repairs without shutting down power, reducing risks for field workers. Arc flash protection and grounding improvements in power substations help in preventing electrical hazards. Strict audits and safety protocols mandated by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) are also playing a significant role in providing improved power services to the end consumers.
The Safety Challenge: Preventing On-Ground Fatalities
Safety remains a major concern, particularly for field workers and linemen who handle high-voltage equipment daily. Electrical accidents continue to occur due to inadequate training, lack of protective gear, and aging infrastructure. Many workers are exposed to electrocution risks from live wires, transformer explosions, and faulty distribution networks. The urgency to enhance safety measures is evident, as even minor lapses can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
To address these issues, mandatory safety training programs must be conducted regularly for linemen and technicians, focusing on high-voltage handling, fault detection, and emergency response. Additionally, the use of advanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including insulated gloves, helmets, and arc flash-resistant suits, should be enforced across all power distribution units. Upgrading outdated infrastructure is equally important, as many accidents occur due to weak grounding, exposed wiring, and overloaded transformers.
Strict compliance with electrical safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is another crucial aspect of improving worker safety. Regular audits and inspections should be conducted to ensure that all power sector entities adhere to global best practices. Additionally, public awareness programs should be promoted to educate citizens about the dangers of illegal electricity connections, safe handling of electrical equipment, and emergency response procedures.
A Reliable and Safer Power Future for India
India has made remarkable strides in improving power reliability through policy reforms, technological advancements, and infrastructure upgrades. The Electricity Act of 2003, UDAY, smart grids, and, more recently, the RDSS have all played a crucial role in transforming the sector. As a result, power outages have significantly reduced, financial losses have declined, and overall efficiency has improved.
Amidst this transformation, the frontline workforce – ‘linemen’ remain the backbone of India’s power sector. To honor these unsung heroes who work in challenging conditions to keep the nation powered, Lineman Diwas is celebrated nationwide by Central Electricity Authority in collaboration with Tata Power-DDL and other DISCOMs, TRANSCOS, and GENCOS. The event, themed 'Seva, Suraksha, Swabhiman,' recognises their contributions, promotes safety best practices, and fosters knowledge-sharing at a national level.
However, honouring their service must go beyond recognition; ensuring their safety is paramount. Despite advancements in grid modernisation and automation reducing outages, ground-level workers in transmission and distribution continue to face significant risks. Electrical hazards remain a pressing concern, often leading to fatalities. To truly support these frontline warriors, it is crucial to strengthen safety regulations, provide comprehensive training, and enforce strict compliance standards.
With the fifth edition of Lineman Diwas celebrated on March 4, 2025, efforts are underway to make it a national observance, honouring the frontline workers who keep India powered. Introduced by Tata Power-DDL and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in 2021, the initiative highlights the need for stronger safety measures, better training, and modernised infrastructure to prevent on-ground fatalities.
Ensuring work place safety must remain a top priority. The way forward lies in continuous investment in safety training, upgrading infrastructure, enforcing strict compliance with safety standards, and educating the public on best practices. By addressing both reliability and safety, India can establish a power sector that is not only efficient but also secure for all stakeholders.
- Rajesh Bahl, Chief – Operations & Safety (O&S), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited
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