Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)

• Rajasthan is accelerating rooftop solar installations under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to modernise power distribution infrastructure.

About Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)

• It is a major flagship initiative launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Power to improve the quality and reliability of power supply in India.
• Objective: to improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability of state-owned DISCOMs, ensuring reliable 24×7 affordable power.
• Key Targets: to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 12–15% and eliminate the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) gap by 2024–25.
• Key Feature: RDSS follows a reform-based, results-linked model in which funding depends on meeting pre-qualification criteria and performance benchmarks.
• Nodal agencies: Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) coordinate the implementation.

Key Components

• Infrastructure & Metering: The scheme prioritises prepaid smart meters, system metering, and upgrades to distribution infrastructure.
  • Smart metering is implemented through the TOTEX (Total Expenditure) model under Public–Private Partnership.
• Capacity Building: it supports training, process reforms, consumer awareness, and third-party evaluation to strengthen DISCOM capabilities.
• Feeder Segregation: Agricultural feeders are separated and later solarised under PM-KUSUM to provide reliable daytime power to farmers.