We have to go for compulsory metering for consumers with connections of 11 KV and above. There must be energy audits of bulk consumers to check whether their consumption and their metering matches. Then corporatise the electricity boards, so that their accountability increases. Independent commissions would determine tariffs so that there is no political arbitrariness in fixing tariffs. But state governments are not willing to hike tariffs fearing defeat in elections.
Power distribution is the responsibility of the state government.
If a particular state wants to go on a disastrous path, we cannot do anything. But when they do not realise the cost of power, either due to lack of political will or corruption, then the Centre is affected. The dues from the states to the Central utilities is Rs 30,000 crore. We cannot service such huge liabilities. Chief ministers may be worried about votes, but if they don't realise any money, there will be no power in their states.