New Delhi, February 23 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) K Sanjay Murthy said on Monday that with the increasing use of artificial intelligence and big data analytics in the power sector, the ability to address the inherent complexities in the sector is being strengthened.
Addressing the National Conference on the Power Sector here, the CAG also said it is important for the entire power sector that the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of DISCOMs are enhanced and strengthened through focused and sustained efforts.
Murthy said that over the past decade, the power sector has made significant progress, with generation increasing from 1,168 BU in 2015-16 to 1,824 BU in 2025-26.
He also noted that the sources of power generation have undergone major changes, with a growing focus on green energy, as evidenced by the increase in its share from 6 per cent to 24 per cent.
He also pointed out that the transmission network has been augmented by more than 70 per cent, and that it has achieved a milestone of crossing over 5 lakh circuit km (ckm) of transmission lines.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is organizing a day-long national conference to facilitate meaningful discussions on recent developments in the power generation, transmission, and distribution sectors.
The conference is being attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Power; Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy; Chairperson, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority, along with CMDs of NTPC, NHPC, SECI, PFC, Grid-India, and PGCIL.
Murthy said that on the distribution front, there has been a major improvement in village and household electrification.
"It is important for the entire power sector that the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of DISCOMs are enhanced and strengthened through focused and sustained efforts," he said.
He also said that there are early signs of recovery in the sector, with DISCOMs recording a PAT of Rs 2,701 crore in 2024-25.
Murthy further said that advancements in technology have played a pivotal role in the ongoing transformation of the power sector.
"With the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence and big data analytics in the sector, the ability to address the inherent complexities in the sector is getting strengthened," he said.
Murthy said that the conference is being organized to bring together concerned stakeholders, including ministries, regulators, PSUs leading the sector across central and state levels, academia, and CAG officers.
At the end of the conference, a comprehensive audit plan will be presented with the aim of achieving the national vision for the power sector, as well as towards achieving the shared goal of Viksit Bharat.
