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Rajasthan Discoms Report Sharp Decline in AT&C Losses in FY25

State-owned electricity distribution companies in Rajasthan have reported a significant reduction in aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses during the 2024–25 financial year, reflecting improved operational efficiency and tighter monitoring measures.

Jaipur Discom recorded a major improvement, bringing down its AT&C losses to 14% in FY25, compared to 20% in the previous financial year. Ajmer Discom posted an even sharper decline, with losses falling from 15.49% in FY24 to 9.19% in FY25. Jodhpur Discom also reported progress, reducing losses by nearly 7 percentage points to 15.27%, down from 21.8%, though the loss level remains comparatively high.

Discoms Chairperson Arti Dogra attributed the reduction to a series of targeted operational measures. She said the improvements were driven by initiatives such as the replacement of faulty meters, strengthened feeder-level monitoring, and enhanced billing efficiency.

She also pointed to intensified efforts to curb power theft, including regular field surveillance, inspections in high-loss areas, and stricter action against illegal connections. Additionally, the growing adoption of solar energy across the state has contributed to lowering distribution losses, she noted.

The reduction in AT&C losses is expected to ease the financial stress on the discoms, which have been facing mounting losses due to delayed government subsidy payments. However, industry experts cautioned that sustaining these gains will require continued vigilance.

DD Agarwal, Director of Samta Power, an NGO working in the power sector, stressed the need for sustained focus on high-loss zones. He warned that losses could rise again if enforcement weakens and called for political non-interference in cases involving illegal power usage.

Agarwal further noted that Jodhpur Discom requires additional resources and a more focused strategy to address its persistently high losses, which continue to weigh on the overall performance of the state’s power utilities.

High distribution losses have a direct impact on electricity tariffs, which are eventually passed on to consumers. Rajasthan already has some of the highest power tariffs in the country, making sustained loss reduction critical for both utility finances and consumer affordability.