UP asked to review decision not to import coal, expedite smart metering project: Union power secretary

Union power secretary Alok Kumar was in the city last week to participate in the sectoral session on ‘Sustainable Development Through Renewable Energy’ at Uttar Pradesh Global Investors’ Summit (UPGIS). Having led the state’s energy sector for a significant amount of time, he put forward a number of suggestions to improve the efficiency of the state’s power distribution companies (discoms). In an exclusive conversation with Brajendra K Parashar, Kumar spoke at length on different issues, including the controversial smart metering project and the state’s reluctance to import coal. Excerpts:

In your address at the sectoral session of UPGIS, you advised discoms to speedily roll out the ambitious smart prepaid metering. Please elaborate.