RDSS Scheme 2026 guidelines are available to download in PDF format on the official portal at rdss.powermin.gov.in. Power Ministry of India has issued Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme guidelines which are reforms based and results linked.
Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is a central government scheme launched in July 2021 to improve the quality, reliability and affordability of power supply to consumers. The scheme works through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient distribution sector. The government has approved a total outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore for five years from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, with a central grant of ₹97,631 crore.
In Union Budget 2026, the government allocated ₹18,000 crore for RDSS for FY 2026-27. This is higher than the revised estimate of ₹15,671 crore for FY 2025-26. The scheme period has also been extended by two years to March 2028 so that loss reduction and smart metering works can be completed without any cost overrun.
Objectives of RDSS Scheme
The objectives of the RDSS scheme are to:
- Improve the quality, reliability and affordability of power supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient distribution sector.
- Reduce the AT&C losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% by 2024-25. AT&C losses mean the power lost during transmission and distribution of electricity.
- Reduce the ACS-ARR gap to zero by 2024-25. ACS-ARR gap is the difference between the cost of supplying power and the revenue recovered from it.
The state-wise targets for each year depend on their current levels of AT&C losses and ACS-ARR gap. States that meet the pre-qualifying criteria and basic minimum benchmarks get financial support under the scheme.
Parts of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme
The RDSS scheme has the following parts:
- Part A covers the main financial assistance part of the scheme. It has three components:
- Component I: Metering, which includes prepaid smart consumer metering and system metering.
- Component II: Distribution Infrastructure Works, which covers loss reduction and modernization of the distribution network.
- Component III: Project Management, which handles the management and monitoring of approved projects.
- Part B covers Training, Capacity Building and other Enabling & Supporting Activities for discoms and state utilities.
RDSS Scheme Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Power, Government of India |
| Launch Year | July 2021 |
| Total Outlay | ₹3,03,758 crore |
| Central Grant | ₹97,631 crore |
| Scheme Period | FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, extended to March 2028 |
| Budget 2026-27 Allocation | ₹18,000 crore |
| Main Aim | Reduce AT&C losses and ACS-ARR gap |
| Official Website | rdss.powermin.gov.in |
Latest Updates in RDSS Scheme 2026
The government has extended the target completion date for installing 25 crore smart meters under RDSS by two years to March 2028. As per the Ministry of Power, 20.33 crore smart meters have been sanctioned under the scheme so far. Smart metering works with an outlay of ₹1,30,671 crore have been sanctioned for 45 discoms in 28 states and union territories.
AT&C losses in the country fell from around 27% in FY 2013-14 to 15.4% in FY 2022-23. They rose again to 17.6% in FY 2023-24, which is why states are now calculating technical and commercial losses separately to improve efficiency.
How to Download RDSS Guidelines PDF
RDSS guidelines PDF can be downloaded from the official portal. Follow the steps given below:
STEP 1 - Go to the official RDSS portal at rdss.powermin.gov.in and open the 'Guidelines' section on the homepage.
STEP 2 - Click on the 'Operational Guidelines' link to open the list of guideline documents.
STEP 3 - Select the latest operational guidelines PDF and click on it to download the file.
STEP 4 - Save the PDF on your device or take a printout for reference.
FAQ's
What is RDSS scheme?
RDSS stands for Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. It is a central government scheme launched by the Ministry of Power in July 2021 to improve the quality, reliability and affordability of power supply through a financially sustainable distribution sector.
What is the total outlay of RDSS scheme?
The total outlay of RDSS is ₹3,03,758 crore for five years from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. The central grant under the scheme is ₹97,631 crore.
Has RDSS scheme been extended?
Yes. The scheme period has been extended by two years to March 2028 so that loss reduction and smart metering works can be completed.
Where can I download RDSS guidelines PDF?
RDSS guidelines PDF can be downloaded from the official portal at rdss.powermin.gov.in.
