Patna: Bihar’s power distribution sector has registered a significant improvement in national performance rankings, with North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) emerging among the top-performing utilities in the country.
According to the latest assessments by the Ministry of Power, conducted in association with REC Limited, NBPDCL has received an ‘A’ rating in the Consumer Service Rating of DISCOMs (CSRD), reflecting strong performance in reliability, billing efficiency and grievance redressal.
National rankings improve
In the Distribution Utilities Ranking (DUR) report, NBPDCL has been placed among the top five state-owned discoms nationwide, while South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) secured the 13th position.
Officials said the rankings indicate Bihar’s growing presence among the country’s better-performing power utilities.
Focus on reforms and technology
Rahul Kumar, managing director of NBPDCL, attributed the achievement to improvements in billing and collection efficiency, as well as the rapid rollout of smart prepaid meters and technology-driven monitoring systems.
Mahendra Kumar, managing director of SBPDCL, said the rankings reflected steady progress in operational performance and consumer service delivery, with further gains expected through continued system strengthening.
Energy secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said the results highlighted structural changes in the sector, driven by policy reforms, digitalisation and stronger institutional mechanisms.
Government highlights consumer focus
State energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said the recognition underscored the government’s efforts to provide reliable, affordable and consumer-centric power supply. He added that the focus would remain on improving transparency and leveraging technology to enhance user experience.
The CSRD framework evaluates 66 distribution utilities across India on parameters such as service reliability, billing and grievance redressal, while the DUR report assesses financial sustainability, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness.
Officials said Bihar’s improved rankings reflect sustained efforts in reducing losses, strengthening infrastructure and expanding digital systems, positioning the state’s utilities for further gains in performance and service delivery.
