Punjab News: PSPCL Rises to Grade 'A' in National Power Utility Rankings

The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has significantly improved its performance, securing the 7th position among state utilities and 12th among 52 power utilities nationwide. This marks a notable upgrade, as PSPCL has moved from last year’s “B” grade to an “A” grade in the 13th annual ranking report.

Key Improvements in PSPCL’s Performance

The enhanced ranking is attributed to multiple operational improvements, including:

✔ Reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses from 11.26% to 10.96%.

✔ Increase in billing efficiency from 88.74% to 89.27%.

✔ Improvement in the cost of supply and revenue receipt gap by 0.25 paise per unit.

A senior PSPCL official highlighted that these improvements reflect the state’s commitment to strengthening its power distribution system and ensuring financial stability in the sector.

Comparative Performance and National Rankings

This year, 11 out of 52 power utilities received the highest A+ rating, including six state-owned corporations and five private companies. The top-ranking power utilities include:

✅ Haryana (UHBVN and DHBVN)

✅ Odisha (TPWODL, TPNOWL, and TPCOWL)

✅ Kerala (KSEBL)

✅ Punjab (PSPCL)

Additionally, five companies, including PSPCL, received an “A” grade.

Impact on Punjab's Power Sector

In 2024, Punjab had raised concerns over alleged bias by the Centre after PSPCL dropped to 20th position from 16th in 2023, leading to a downgrade to a “B” grade. The improved ranking is expected to bolster the state’s demand for additional financial grants from the Centre.

Experts note that higher rankings strengthen the case for increased central assistance, as utilities with lower rankings often struggle to secure financial aid. The latest improvement in PSPCL’s standing is expected to enhance its credibility and support Punjab’s efforts in power sector development.