A seminar on electricity governance, energy efficiency and renewable energy was conducted at Hotel Cambin in Durg district on 25th September 2024. The seminar was conducted in collaboration with Anmol Foundation, Chhattisgarh. Around 40 participants comprising farmers, students, businessmen, media representatives, academics and residential consumers attended the event. Mr. Harbansh Singh Miri, Joint Collector of Durg and Mr.Uttam Kumar, Deputy Collector were chief guests at the event. They were appreciative of the programme and stressed the need for encouraging people to save electricity.
A poster developed by CAG was presented to the Joint Collector, Durg District
During the welcome speech, Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Director of Anmol Foundation, provided a comprehensive overview of the programme's objectives. He emphasised that programmes such as these address the lack of consumer awareness on these important topics. Furthermore, he mentioned the importance of learning from experts on how to conserve electricity and receiving insights from government officials regarding renewable energy installations and uptake.
Mr.Sanjay Sharma during his presentation
Mr. Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG, presented the project’s objectives that aimed to increase consumer participation in the electricity sector. He delivered a comprehensive overview of Chhattisgarh’s electricity industry, covering electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Additionally, he elaborated on IEC materials developed by CAG which provide a detailed overview of compensation for non-compliance with performance standards.
Mr.Bharath Ram, during his presentation
Mr. Ravindra Dewangan, the District in-charge Assistant Engineer of the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), provided an overview of Chhattisgarh's solar energy policy. He also elaborated on the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, detailing the various installations, including off-grid and on-grid rooftop solar power plants. Additionally, he discussed the investment and return on investment associated with rooftop solar plants.
Mr.Ravindra Dewangan, addressing the participants
Mr. Lakhera, Assistant Engineer, Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), provided details about the DISCOM's ongoing efforts to meet consumer needs. He emphasised that CSPDCL is dedicated to ensuring uninterrupted power supply and puts significant effort into addressing consumer complaints. He also gave details of the customer care centre (Toll free:1912) which works 24*7. He mentioned that a team of members closely follow up on each registered complaint until it is successfully resolved.
Mr.Lakhera, addressing the participants
Mr. Venkat Subramaniam, the former GM of Bhilai Steel Plant, provided detailed information about electricity consumption in the steel plant. He stressed the importance of addressing climate change and environmental concerns, highlighting the strict rules and regulations on emissions that large industries must adhere to. Non-compliance could lead to significant business restrictions. For instance, the Bhilai steel plant uses coal in its steel manufacturing process and sells power to the DISCOM through an agreement. He also noted that major industries have started establishing their own renewable energy generation facilities to achieve energy self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on energy imports from DISCOM.
Dr. Danesh Joshi, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, at Shri Shankaracharya Professional University, Bhilai, said that the media plays a big role in creating widespread awareness regarding energy-related information. For this, he said, the media should be sensitized about the urgency of climate change and motivated to cover this issue. He also assured all possible support for this programme.
The seminar ended with discussions on topics such as;
- Billing and metering issues
- Power outage and disruption resolution
- New connection procedures
- Grievance redressal mechanisms
- Online services and payment options
Mr.Sanjay Sharma drew the event to a close by thanking the guests and participants, expressing his gratitude to all.