COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GOVERNMENT DISCOMs VS PRIVATE DISCOMs IN INDIA
AJIT VIKRAM SINGH
ABSTRACT The Indian power distribution sector plays a critical role in ensuring reliable electricity supply, financial sustainability, and consumer service delivery. This study presents a comparative analysis of Government-owned and Private Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) in India during FY2020–FY2025. The research utilizes secondary data collected from Power Finance Corporation (PFC), REC Limited, Ministry of Power reports, Integrated Rating & Ranking Reports, and the Distribution Utilities Ranking (DUR) framework. The analysis focuses on key performance indicators including AT&C losses, billing efficiency, collection efficiency, ACS-ARR gap, smart metering adoption, resource adequacy, renewable purchase obligation achievement, and consumer service ratings. The findings indicate that private DISCOMs such as TPDDL, BRPL, BYPL, and AEML consistently outperform many Government DISCOMs in operational efficiency, customer relationship management, digital integration, and financial sustainability. The study further highlights the importance of smart metering, AI-based billing analytics, demand-side management, and governance reforms for improving the performance of Government DISCOMs. Keywords: DISCOM, PFC Ratings, DUR Framework, AT&C Losses, Billing Efficiency, Collection Efficiency, Smart Metering, CRM, Government DISCOMs, Private DISCOMs.