INDIA: Enabling private sector participation in the electricity distribution sector

The objective of this activity was to enable private participation in the electricity distribution sector in India through the usage of innovative models by building capacity at the Ministry of Power to engage with the private sector. The activity also entailed high-level dialogue with the government (at the national and state levels) and industry players. The study findings' purpose was to inform the policymakers in the government and the private sector about different options of public-private partnerships and act as an enabler to improve their appetite to look at this approach for addressing the long-standing problems in the electricity distribution sector, improve service delivery to consumers and help support India's energy transition agenda. As a result, two PPP transactions have already been completed in two union territories, Chandigarh and Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu (Combined bid). These transactions represent a step in the right direction of realizing private sector participation advantages of bringing cost-effective and reliable electricity services to customers through improvements in quality of supply, and service, as well as operational and commercial efficiency improvements, to finally facilitate the energy transition in the country.