• The ‘Electricity Access in India and Benchmarking Distribution Utilities’ report was launched on 28 October 2020.
• The report has jointly been prepared by the NITI Aayog, Ministry of Power, Rockefeller Foundation and Smart Power India.
• It basically highlights the benefits of government-led schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.

Objective of the report:

• Evaluate the status of electricity access in India across these states and distribution utilities along all dimensions that constitute meaningful access
• Benchmark utilities’ capacity to provide electricity access and identify the drivers of sustainable access
• Develop recommendations for enhancing sustainable electricity access

Key findings of the report:

• Around 92% of customers said that the overall availability of electricity infrastructure was within 50 metres of their premises.
• Overall, 87% of the surveyed customers have access to grid-based electricity, while remaining 13% either use non-grid sources or don’t use any electricity at all.
• The hours of supply have improved significantly to nearly 17 hours per day.
• Nearly 85% of customers reported to have a metered electricity connection.
• Access to electricity is observed in 83% of household customers.
• A satisfaction index was created to assess the overall satisfaction level of customers with utility services. The study suggested that a total of 66% of those surveyed were satisfied, of which 74% of customers are in urban areas and 60% in rural areas. 

Key recommendations provided in the report for improving the power distribution sector:

• Government needs to invest in electricity distribution infrastructure with focus on improving reliability and quality of supply.
• Revamping the new electricity connection process with focus on non-household customers.
• Transfer of subsidies or other benefits directly into a customer’s account;
• Enhanced technology-driven customer service;
• Ensuring 100% metering of customers;
• Segregation of feeder lines.