Power Ministry eyes recovery of ₹800 cr dues from West Bengal

New Delhi: Power minister Manohar Lal on Sunday said around ₹800 crore in subsidy-related support and outstanding dues in West Bengal would be recovered, while plans are being worked out to address accumulated losses of about ₹15,000 crore incurred over the years.

He said the next phase of the Smart Meter Programme in the state will begin in July and cover nearly 20 million consumers across West Bengal.

The rollout will start with government offices and campuses, before being extended to large consumers and subsequently to domestic households in a phased manner. Reviewing the state's power distribution sector, the minister said improving operational efficiency and financial sustainability remain key to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.