Need to bring losses below 15% for 24X7 power by 2019: R K Singh

Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh today urged his states' counterparts to bring electricity distribution losses below 15 per cent to ensure 24X7 power for all by 2019.

Singh also asked them to roll out the Saubhagya scheme in their states to provide power connections to 4 crore families by December, 2018.

"We have reduced the distribution (aggregate technical and commercial) losses. It is necessary to achieve 24X7 power for all by 2019," Singh said.

He said this while inaugurating the conference of 'Ministers for Power and New & Renewable Energy of States & Union Territories' here.

He further said: "We are going to add 4 crore more subscribers under the Saubhagya scheme. Thus, with increase in supplies, leakages would further increase. We cannot continue to set off these losses using taxpayers' money."

The minister said there are 16 to 17 states, which are incurring distribution losses more than 15 per cent.

On the Saubhagya scheme, he said: .