New Delhi, 20 March (H.S.): Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Friday stressed that energy security is of critical importance amid prevailing global tensions. Speaking at the “Bharat Electricity Summit 2026” at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, he urged better coordination between the Centre and state governments to make electricity generation, transmission and distribution more efficient and affordable.

At a ministerial-level session of the summit, Manohar Lal highlighted that electricity is the backbone of economic growth and infrastructure development. Pointing to achievements such as India’s over 520 gigawatts of generation capacity, improved performance of DISCOMs, widespread rollout of smart meters, and steady improvement in power supply, he called for coordinated efforts between the Centre and states to ensure cost‑effective and reliable power across the country.

Underlining the need for energy security amid global uncertainties, the minister emphasised raising per‑capita energy consumption and accelerating the shift towards renewable energy. He also highlighted the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and described the recently enacted Peace Act as a significant step in this direction.

Manohar Lal assured states of full support from the Centre in implementing necessary reforms and in taking legal and administrative measures to strengthen the power sector. The second day of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 featured a National Power Ministerial Meeting chaired by Manohar Lal, with Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik as co‑chair.

Union Power and NRE Secretaries, along with energy ministers and senior officials from states and Union Territories, attended.On the sidelines, the Ministry released the Consumer Service Rating (CSR) and Distribution Utility Ranking (DUR) Report for financial year 2024‑25, showcasing DISCOM‑level performance metrics and service‑quality benchmarks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar