CAG widens purview of power sector audit, starting with DISCOMs; consumer satisfaction in focus

NEW DELHI The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is undertaking a comprehensive audit of the power sector, beginning with distribution companies (discoms), where consumer satisfaction, power trading and financial sustainability emerging as key focus areas. The exercise will subsequently cover transmission, generation, renewable energy and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with each segment’s operational and financial performance being assessed over the preceding five years, according to officials familiar with the development.

Discoms will be the first to be audited, with the ongoing phase covering their performance between FY21 and FY26. As many as 39 discoms across the country, along with five departmental undertakings, will be assessed.

Privately owned discoms, however, will remain outside the scope of the exercise.