CPDL To Spend Rs 956 Crore In 5 Years To Boost Chandigarh Power Network
Chandigarh is set to witness an investment of ₹956 crore over the next five years. The private utility responsible for electricity distribution in the Union Territory has drawn up an extensive capital expenditure plan aimed at transforming the city’s power supply systems into a more reliable, sustainable and digitally equipped network. According to company officials, over half of Chandigarh’s existing distribution infrastructure has outlived its intended lifespan, contributing to recurring outages and service disruptions.
In a bid to enhance both operational efficiency and customer experience, the company has approached the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) seeking approval for its investment roadmap, which includes a proposed revision in electricity tariffs. The modernisation plan focuses on upgrading critical elements of the city’s power network. New high-capacity power transformers, underground cabling, and the replacement of deteriorated equipment form the core of the infrastructure overhaul. Officials emphasised that this will drastically reduce the chances of breakdowns and deliver an uninterrupted power supply across residential and commercial areas.
Alongside physical infrastructure, the initiative includes a comprehensive digitisation drive. The proposal includes the installation of smart meters and the phase-out of conventional meters, allowing consumers greater visibility and control over their power usage. Real-time billing, enhanced outage alerts via SMS and email, and quicker grievance redressal are also part of the digital transition. Plans are also underway to establish multiple customer service centres across the city to strengthen citizen interface and improve service delivery. Safety remains a key priority, with protocols being upgraded to meet evolving national standards in energy security and distribution.
To support this digital and operational leap, a Know Your Customer (KYC) update campaign has been launched to ensure accurate consumer records. Consumers are encouraged to update their contact details to receive timely updates related to power supply status, billing, and customer support. This large-scale investment comes at a time when Indian cities are seeking resilient, eco-conscious energy systems. By phasing in underground cables and smart meters, the city’s power distributor aims to reduce transmission losses, support cleaner load balancing, and minimise environmental impact. Experts suggest this shift aligns with India’s broader vision of building climate-resilient, energy-efficient urban centres.
While the proposal includes a tariff revision, the utility argues that the long-term benefits of improved service reliability, reduced power theft, and efficient energy management will offset the short-term financial burden on consumers. As Chandigarh moves towards a more reliable and digitally enabled power ecosystem, the initiative is being seen as a critical step in building a smart and sustainable urban infrastructure.
