Power sector in Tripura enters top league, TSECL secures A grade in national ranking

Not long ago, power supply in Tripura was often associated with frequent outages, billing issues, and delayed services. That narrative has now changed dramatically. In a significant turnaround, the state has not only addressed most of its long-standing challenges but has also earned a place among India’s top-performing power distribution utilities.

In the latest Consumer Service Rating of DISCOMs (CSRD), conducted jointly by India’s power authorities and the Rural Electrification Corporation, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has been awarded an ‘A’ grade. Among 66 power distribution companies across the country, this recognition marks a major milestone for the state.

This achievement goes beyond a mere rating—it reflects a measurable and consistent improvement in service quality. In the 2023–24 financial year, TSECL held a ‘B+’ grade. Within just a year, it has climbed to an ‘A’ grade, underlining the pace of its progress. The corporation’s national ranking has also improved sharply, moving from 51st place in 2022–23 to 44th in 2023–24, and now reaching 24th in 2024–25.

Behind this rise lies the sustained effort of engineers, officials, and ground-level staff who have worked to make electricity services more reliable, accessible, and responsive. Leadership has also played a crucial role, with Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Power Secretary Abhishek Singh IAS, and TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu steering reforms and strengthening institutional focus.

Expressing satisfaction over the achievement, the Power Minister described it as a result of collective dedication and hard work. He voiced confidence that if the current momentum continues, TSECL could achieve an ‘A+’ grade in the near future. He also emphasized the need for continued collaboration to position Tripura among the best-performing power service providers in the country.

Echoing this sentiment, the Managing Director credited the workforce for the accomplishment while acknowledging that public expectations will now be higher. He assured that the corporation remains committed to further improving service standards.

The CSRD evaluation is based on a 100-point framework covering four key areas. The first—operational reliability—highlights Tripura’s strong performance. The state now records an average daily supply of 23 hours and 45 minutes in urban areas and around 23 hours and 35 minutes in rural regions, while industrial zones enjoy uninterrupted 24-hour power. Scheduled load shedding has effectively been eliminated, with outages now limited to technical faults or unavoidable natural disruptions. Transformer failure rates have also dropped significantly from 5.40% to 3.63%, well below the national average of 5.02%.

The second parameter focuses on new connections and service delivery. Earlier, obtaining a new electricity connection could be time-consuming. Today, nearly all applications are processed online, ensuring faster and more transparent service. The gradual rollout of prepaid meters is also helping consumers better manage their electricity usage while reducing billing disputes.

The third area—metering, billing, and collection—has seen perhaps the most visible transformation. Around 65% of consumers now pay their electricity bills through digital platforms, a sharp rise from just 13% earlier. Additionally, 99% of customers receive billing updates on their mobile phones, eliminating delays and confusion. Faulty meters are replaced swiftly, with urban areas reporting an average turnaround time of just 2.9 days.

The fourth parameter—consumer grievance redressal—reflects a more responsive system. TSECL’s 24x7 consumer care center is fully operational, allowing complaints to be registered and resolved promptly. Importantly, planned outages and maintenance schedules are now communicated in advance through social media, print media, and public announcements. In this category, Tripura has achieved a remarkable 100% score, a steep rise from just 14.8% the previous year.

Taken together, these improvements signal a broader transformation. Power supply in Tripura is no longer just about delivering electricity—it has evolved into a modern, transparent, and consumer-centric service ecosystem.

At the national level, only a limited number of DISCOMs have secured ‘A’ or higher grades. Out of 66 companies, six achieved ‘A+’, while 21—including Tripura—earned an ‘A’ grade. Meanwhile, 27 were rated ‘B+’, ten ‘B’, and only a handful fell into lower categories.

For a small northeastern state, this recognition carries added significance. Tripura is not only improving services for its own residents but is also setting an example for how strategic planning, technology adoption, and consistent effort can transform public utilities.

In many ways, TSECL’s journey reflects a deeper shift—where electricity is no longer just a basic necessity but a key driver of improved quality of life. With strong leadership and a clear roadmap, the state now stands on the cusp of becoming one of India’s top-performing power sectors.