Transparency in electricity distribution sector – an analysis in Telangana

This paper laysstress onunderstanding the significance of the key factors related to transparency and unraveling the hotspots concerned withoccurrence of non-transparent activities in the Indian power distribution sector. It also underscores the problems faced by utilities’ employees, contractors and the consumers; problems that evolve due to corrupt practices in place.Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index 2013 puts India at 94^thrank out of 176 nations. A more elaborate study by Federation of Indian Chambers Of Commerce and Industry(FICCI)in 2013, revealsthat 51% of the respondents interviewed, perceived power and utility sector to be the most vulnerable to corruption. Yet another report by FICCI says that developing countries have approximately $8 billion loss in capital expenditure and $33 billion in the theft of electricity in distribution sector. These rankings and figures not only affect country's business potential but also mark a blot on the Indian ethos and its populace. This paper uses basic statistical approach to highlight transparency related issues in the power distribution sector in Hyderabad city, Telangana and tries to find out the extent to which transparency in the sector has been impacted, via key identified factors. The paper concludes with key findings about fudged T&D (Transmission and Distribution) loss figures, political interference and growth related concerns in the utilities.