Historic reduction in AT&C loss to 15.50 pc in Bihar

Patna, Apr 5 (UNI) In a significant achievement for Bihar’s power sector, North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) together recorded a historic reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) loss, bringing it down from 19.94% in Financial Year 2023-24 to 15.50% in 2024-25.

Lauding the achievements, Bihar Energy Minister of Bihar, Bijendra Prasad Yadav said here on Saturday that this the first time that Bihar’s AT&C loss has fallen below the national average of all DISCOMs in India, establishing a new milestone in operational performance. NBPDCL has achieved an estimated AT&C loss of 14.5%, while SBPDCL has brought it down to 17%, showcasing the commitment and efficiency of both distribution companies.

He said it is the result of consistent, multi-dimensional efforts taken by both DISCOMs to enhance overall efficiency and service delivery. Improved operational reliability across the network, timely release of new service connections, and a strong focus on accurate and transparent billing have played a crucial role in winning consumer trust and improving revenue realisation.

Strategic system strengthening and infrastructure improvements undertaken under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) have also contributed significantly to reducing technical losses and enhancing supply reliability, he added.

The minister said that the effectiveness of consumer grievance redressal mechanisms and stronger communication channels between DISCOMs and consumers have further reinforced the consumer-centric approach . All these measures have worked in tandem to improve system accountability and performance on the ground.

He said that with these initiatives NBPDCL received ‘A’ rating while SBPDCL got a ‘B+’ rating in the latest Consumer Service Ratings issued by the Ministry of Power,reaffirming the significant progress made in service quality and consumer satisfaction.

As a result of these sustained efforts, the DISCOMs have achieved a record revenue collection of Rs 17,114 crore in Financial Y ear 2024-25, marking a significant growth of approximately 13% compared to Rs 15,109 crore collected in the previous financial year.

Yadav said that Bihar’s power sector has scaled new heights. From a staggering AT&C loss of 59.15% in Financial Y ear 2004-05 to just 15.5% in Financial Y ear 2024-25, Bihar has set a benchmark for performance and accountability, he claimed adding that such sustained progress is unmatched and demonstrates the state’s determined pursuit of reform, transparency, and consumer-centric governance.

Secretary, Energy Department and Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), BSPHCL, Pankaj Pal, while expressing his views on this landmark achievement, congratulated DISCOM’s employees.

He said, “Achieving an AT and C loss of 15.5%—which is lower than the national average of all DISCOMs—is a landmark achievement, especially considering that more than 85% of the consumer base is in rural areas. A 4.5% reduction in a single financial year is a remarkable feat and reflects the collective determination of our teams, a strong consumer-first approach, and systemic improvements across the sector.”

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