India’s utilities industry has been witnessing significant growth and development in recent years, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the country’s strong economic growth.
The top 20 utilities companies in India in 2023 have established themselves as key players in this dynamic industry, providing essential services such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications to businesses and households across the country.
These companies have demonstrated excellence in providing reliable and affordable utilities services, using cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for energy and water.
Their focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship has also enabled them to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to India’s renewable energy targets.
Moreover, the top 20 utilities companies in India in 2023 have a strong commitment to customer service, delivering high-quality services and ensuring customer satisfaction through various engagement channels.
They also play an important role in promoting social and economic development by investing in local communities and supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life of their customers.
In this article, we will highlight the top 20 best utilities companies in India in 2023, showcasing their achievements, innovations, and contributions to the industry and the country as a whole.
We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the utilities sector in India and how these companies are addressing them.
- Tata Power
- NTPC Limited
- Adani Power
- Reliance Infrastructure Limited
- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
- JSW Energy Limited
- Torrent Power Limited
- NHPC Limited
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
- GMR Energy Limited
- Greenko Energies Private Limited
- Essar Power Limited
- Lanco Infratech Limited
- Sterlite Power Transmission Limited
- CESC Limited
- KEC International Limited
- Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited
- Suzlon Energy Limited
- Siemens Limited
- Inox Wind Limited
Tata Power
Tata Power is an Indian electric utility company and part of the Tata Group conglomerate. It was established in 1915 and has since grown to become one of India’s largest integrated power companies.
Tata Power operates in various segments of the power sector, including generation, transmission, distribution, and trading.
The company has a diverse portfolio of power generation assets, including coal, gas, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, with a total installed capacity of over 12,700 MW.
It also has a strong presence in the renewable energy sector, with a target of achieving 50% of its total generation capacity from clean sources by 2025.
Tata Power is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility. It has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and promote community development.
The company’s sustainability efforts have been recognized by several national and international organizations, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Carbon Disclosure Project.
In summary, Tata Power is a major player in India’s power sector, with a diverse portfolio of generation assets and a strong focus on renewable energy and sustainability.
Its commitment to responsible business practices and community development sets an example for other companies in the industry.
NTPC Limited
NTPC Limited (formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation Limited) is a public sector undertaking (PSU) in India engaged in the generation and distribution of electricity. It was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
NTPC is one of the largest power companies in India with an installed capacity of more than 66,000 MW, comprising of coal-based, gas-based, hydro, solar, and wind power plants. The company also operates coal mines to fuel its power plants.
NTPC is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The Government of India holds a 51.06% stake in the company, while the rest is held by institutional and retail investors.
Apart from power generation, NTPC is also involved in consultancy, power trading, ash utilization, and coal mining. The company has a presence in several countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria.
NTPC has won several awards for its performance and initiatives in the power sector, including the prestigious “Maharatna” status awarded by the Government of India.
Adani Power
Adani Power is an Indian power company that generates and distributes electricity. It is part of the Adani Group, a conglomerate with interests in various industries such as energy, logistics, and infrastructure.
Adani Power operates thermal power plants in India, with a total installed capacity of over 12,000 MW. The company also operates a solar power plant in the state of Tamil Nadu, which has a capacity of 648 MW.
Adani Power has faced some controversies over the years, particularly in relation to environmental concerns and land acquisition for its projects. However, the company has taken steps to address these issues and has made commitments to increase its renewable energy capacity in the future.
In recent years, Adani Power has also expanded its operations internationally, with investments in power projects in countries such as Bangladesh and Australia.
Reliance Infrastructure Limited
Reliance Infrastructure Limited (RInfra) is a part of the Reliance Group and is a leading infrastructure company in India. It is headquartered in Mumbai, India, and has a presence in power, roads, metro rail, and airport sectors.
RInfra has a diverse portfolio of projects in the infrastructure space, including power generation, transmission, and distribution; roads and highways; metro rail; and airports.
The company has a total installed power generation capacity of over 5,945 MW, which includes thermal, gas, and renewable energy sources. RInfra also operates two metro rail projects in Mumbai and has been awarded several road projects in Maharashtra and other states.
Apart from its infrastructure projects, RInfra also has a presence in the defence sector, providing engineering and construction services for various defence projects.
In recent years, RInfra has undergone a restructuring exercise to focus on its core infrastructure business and has divested several non-core businesses, including its cement and Mumbai city power businesses.
Overall, RInfra is a key player in India’s infrastructure sector and has been involved in several landmark projects that have contributed to the country’s development.
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) is a state-owned public sector undertaking in India that is primarily engaged in the transmission of power through its network of transmission lines and substations.
It was established in 1989 and is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.
PGCIL operates over 158,000 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 248 substations with a total transformation capacity of around 410,000 MVA, making it one of the largest transmission utilities in the world.
The company plays a critical role in India’s power sector by facilitating the transfer of power from power generating stations to distribution networks across the country.
Apart from transmission of power, PGCIL also provides consultancy services in the power sector and is involved in the development of power transmission infrastructure in neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
PGCIL is a Navratna company, which is a status given to public sector enterprises in India based on their performance. It is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India, and is a part of the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex indices.
JSW Energy Limited
JSW Energy Limited is an Indian power generation company that was founded in 1994 as Jindal Tractebel Power Company Limited, and later renamed JSW Energy Limited in 2005.
The company is a subsidiary of the JSW Group, which is a conglomerate that operates in several industries such as steel, cement, infrastructure, energy, and more.
JSW Energy is primarily involved in the generation of power through thermal, hydro, and renewable energy sources. The company has a total installed capacity of 4,541 MW, including 3,158 MW of thermal power, 1,391 MW of renewable energy, and 25 MW of hydro power.
The thermal power plants of the company are located in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, while the renewable energy assets are spread across various states in India.
Apart from power generation, JSW Energy is also involved in power transmission and trading activities.
The company has a power trading license and is registered with the Power Exchange of India Limited (PXIL) and the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) for trading of electricity.
JSW Energy has been actively investing in renewable energy projects in recent years, with a target to achieve a renewable capacity of 20 GW by 2030.
The company has already commissioned several wind, solar, and hydro power projects, and is exploring opportunities in energy storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well.
Torrent Power Limited
Torrent Power Limited is an Indian company that is primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Torrent Power operates in two main segments: Power and Gas.
In the Power segment, Torrent Power generates and supplies electricity to customers in the cities of Ahmedabad, Surat, Dahej SEZ, Bhiwandi, and Agra. The company has a total installed capacity of 3,879 MW, which includes thermal, gas, and renewable energy sources.
In the Gas segment, Torrent Power supplies natural gas to customers in Ahmedabad and Surat. The company also operates a city gas distribution network in these cities, providing compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) to households, commercial establishments, and industrial customers.
Torrent Power is known for its focus on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. The company has also been recognized for its efforts in the areas of employee engagement, customer service, and corporate governance.
NHPC Limited
NHPC Limited is a public sector undertaking (PSU) in India that is involved in the development, construction, and operation of hydroelectric power plants. It was incorporated in 1975 with the objective of promoting, developing, and operating hydroelectric power projects in India.
NHPC has a portfolio of hydroelectric power projects that are spread across different states in India. The company’s installed capacity is currently over 7,000 MW, and it is working on several projects that will add to this capacity in the coming years.
Some of NHPC’s major power projects include the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir, and the 520 MW Teesta VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim.
NHPC is also involved in providing consultancy services for the development of hydroelectric power projects in India and abroad.
The company has a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility and has implemented several initiatives to minimize the impact of its operations on the environment and local communities.
NHPC is listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange in India and is majority-owned by the Government of India. The company has a market capitalization of over USD 4 billion as of March 2023.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is a public sector company based in India. It was established in 1964 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
BHEL is one of the largest engineering and manufacturing companies in India, engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, testing, commissioning, and servicing of a wide range of products and services for the power, transmission, industry, transportation, renewable energy, oil and gas, and defence sectors.
BHEL has a network of manufacturing facilities, service centers, and regional offices across India and abroad.
Its products include power generation equipment such as boilers, turbines, generators, and control systems, transmission equipment such as transformers and switchgear, industrial equipment.
such as compressors, pumps, and valves, transportation equipment such as electric locomotives, and renewable energy equipment such as solar cells and modules.
BHEL is also involved in research and development activities and has collaborated with leading institutions and organizations in India and abroad to develop new technologies and products.
The company has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to the Indian economy and the engineering industry.
GMR Energy Limited
GMR Energy Limited is a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Limited, a leading Indian infrastructure company. GMR Energy is primarily engaged in the business of power generation, transmission, and distribution.
The company has a diverse portfolio of power projects, including thermal, hydro, and renewable energy.
Its thermal power plants are located in India and Nepal, with a total installed capacity of 3,400 MW. The hydro power plants are located in Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, with a total installed capacity of 800 MW.
The renewable energy projects include wind and solar power plants with a total capacity of 300 MW.
GMR Energy has also been actively involved in the development of transmission and distribution infrastructure in India. The company has implemented transmission projects in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and is also involved in distribution projects in Odisha.
Overall, GMR Energy Limited is an important player in the Indian power sector, with a diversified portfolio of power generation assets and a focus on clean energy.
Greenko Energies Private Limited
Greenko Energies Private Limited is a renewable energy company based in Hyderabad, India. The company was founded in 2006 by Anil Kumar Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli with a mission to provide clean and sustainable energy solutions to India’s growing energy needs.
Greenko is primarily focused on developing, owning, and operating clean energy assets such as wind, solar, and hydro power projects across India.
The company has a diversified portfolio of over 14 GW of operational, under-construction, and development-stage clean energy assets, making it one of the largest renewable energy companies in India.
Greenko’s innovative energy storage solutions, including pumped hydro storage and battery storage, have enabled the company to provide reliable and sustainable power to customers across India.
The company’s projects have a track record of delivering high-quality and affordable renewable energy to some of India’s largest utilities and industrial customers.
In recent years, Greenko has received significant investment from international financial institutions and has also made strategic acquisitions to expand its renewable energy portfolio.
The company is committed to driving India’s transition to a low-carbon economy and is a leader in the country’s efforts to combat climate change.
Essar Power Limited
Essar Power Limited is a power generation company based in India. It is a subsidiary of the Essar Group, a conglomerate with interests in various industries such as steel, oil and gas, infrastructure, and more.
Essar Power operates power plants across India with a total installed capacity of over 6,100 MW, making it one of the largest independent power producers in the country.
The company uses a variety of fuel sources, including coal, gas, and renewable energy, to generate electricity.
In addition to generating power, Essar Power also has a strong presence in the transmission and distribution of electricity. The company operates transmission lines and sub-stations in various parts of India.
Essar Power is committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, and has undertaken several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
The company has also received several awards and recognitions for its efforts in the areas of safety, environment, and social responsibility.
Lanco Infratech Limited
Lanco Infratech Limited was an Indian conglomerate company that was involved in various sectors such as power, infrastructure, construction, and real estate. The company was founded in 1993 and was headquartered in Hyderabad, India.
Lanco Infratech Limited’s operations were spread across India, the Middle East, and Australia. It had several subsidiaries and was involved in various projects such as power generation, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), infrastructure development, and real estate development.
However, the company faced financial difficulties and was declared bankrupt in 2018. The bankruptcy proceedings were carried out by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in India.
The company’s assets were sold to various companies, and its subsidiaries were either sold or liquidated.
Overall, Lanco Infratech Limited’s story is a cautionary tale about the importance of financial prudence and sustainable business practices in the corporate world.
Sterlite Power Transmission Limited
Sterlite Power Transmission Limited is a leading power transmission company in India that specializes in the development, construction, and maintenance of power transmission infrastructure.
The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Gurgaon, India.
Sterlite Power Transmission Limited operates in the power transmission and distribution industry and is involved in the design, engineering, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of power transmission infrastructure.
The company has a strong presence in India and has also expanded its operations to other countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and South Africa.
Sterlite Power Transmission Limited has a diversified portfolio of transmission projects that includes high capacity inter-state and intra-state transmission systems, power evacuation projects, and last-mile connectivity solutions.
The company has also been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions such as the use of cutting-edge technology for power transmission and the creation of smart grids.
Overall, Sterlite Power Transmission Limited has established itself as a reliable and innovative player in the power transmission industry, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality infrastructure and solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
CESC Limited
CESC Limited is an Indian electricity generation and distribution company based in Kolkata, West Bengal. The company was founded in 1897 and is one of the oldest companies in India.
CESC Limited operates in two segments: power generation and distribution. It owns and operates thermal power plants in Haldia and Chandrapur with a combined installed capacity of 1225 MW.
The company also distributes electricity in Kolkata and surrounding areas through its distribution network of more than 15,000 km of cables and over 3000 distribution transformers.
CESC Limited is a flagship company of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, and it is listed on the BSE and NSE stock exchanges. The company has won several awards for its operations and is known for its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.
KEC International Limited
KEC International Limited is a global infrastructure engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company based in India. The company was established in 1945 and is a part of the RPG Group.
KEC International is primarily involved in the construction of power transmission lines and substations, railways, and other infrastructure projects.
The company operates in over 100 countries and has executed projects in countries such as Afghanistan, Algeria, Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, among others.
Some of the notable projects executed by KEC International include the construction of a 400 kV double-circuit transmission line in Afghanistan, a 765 kV transmission line in Brazil, and a 220 kV transmission line in Ethiopia.
KEC International has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing waste reduction measures.
The company has also received several awards and recognitions for its sustainability initiatives and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
In addition to its core EPC business, KEC International also has a subsidiary called SAE Towers, which is engaged in the manufacture of transmission towers and related products.-
Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited
Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL) is a leading global engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company that specializes in the power transmission and distribution sector.
The company is headquartered in Mumbai, India and operates in more than 50 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, Europe, and the Americas.
KPTL provides end-to-end solutions for power transmission and distribution projects, including design, engineering, procurement, construction, and project management.
The company has expertise in building and maintaining high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks for both government and private clients.
KPTL’s diversified business also includes the manufacture of transmission tower parts and accessories, as well as the production of oil and gas pipelines. The company has a strong focus on sustainable development and has undertaken various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental conservation.
KPTL has won several awards and recognitions for its performance and contribution to the power transmission and distribution sector.
Some of its notable projects include the construction of the world’s tallest power transmission towers in India and the development of a 400-kV transmission line in Algeria.
Suzlon Energy Limited
Suzlon Energy Limited is a renewable energy company based in India that specializes in the development, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of wind turbines.
The company was founded in 1995 by Tulsi Tanti and is headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Suzlon Energy has a presence in more than 18 countries across six continents and has installed over 18,000 MW of wind energy capacity globally. The company’s product portfolio includes onshore and offshore wind turbines ranging from 600 kW to 2.1 MW, which are designed to cater to a wide range of wind regimes.
In addition to wind turbines, Suzlon Energy also provides a range of services, including project development, construction, and commissioning, as well as operations and maintenance services.
The company is committed to promoting sustainable development and has a strong focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Suzlon Energy has received several awards and recognitions for its contribution to the renewable energy sector, including the prestigious Zayed Future Energy Prize in 2013.
However, the company has faced financial challenges in recent years, and in 2020, it filed for bankruptcy protection under India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
Siemens Limited
Siemens Limited is a publicly-traded company headquartered in Mumbai, India. The company is a subsidiary of Siemens AG, a German multinational conglomerate that operates in various industries including energy, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.
Siemens Limited primarily focuses on providing solutions in the areas of power generation, transmission and distribution, industrial automation, and smart infrastructure.
The company has a significant presence in India and has been involved in several large-scale projects in the country, including the electrification of the Indian Railways and the development of smart cities.
Inox Wind Limited
Inox Wind Limited is a leading Indian wind energy solutions provider. It was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Noida, India. The company designs, manufactures, and markets wind turbines for the domestic and international markets.
Inox Wind has a diversified product portfolio that includes both onshore and offshore wind turbines with rated capacities ranging from 2 MW to 3.3 MW.
The company has a manufacturing capacity of 1,600 MW per year and has installed over 2,300 MW of wind power capacity across India.
In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Inox Wind also provides turnkey solutions for wind power projects, including site acquisition, wind resource assessment, project design, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
The company also provides operations and maintenance services for wind power projects.
Inox Wind is listed on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
The company is a subsidiary of Inox Group, a leading business conglomerate in India with interests in a variety of industries including industrial gases, refrigerants, chemicals, and entertainment.
In conclusion, the utilities industry in India has been instrumental in providing essential services to households, businesses, and industries across the country. The top 20 utilities companies in India in 2023 have distinguished themselves through their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer service.
These companies are at the forefront of providing reliable and affordable electricity, water, gas, and other essential services to millions of people in India.
They have invested heavily in modern technologies and infrastructure, enabling them to deliver high-quality services and meet the growing demand for energy and water in the country.
Moreover, the top 20 utilities companies in India in 2023 are actively pursuing sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, such as renewable energy generation, water conservation, and waste management.
They are also adopting digital technologies to enhance their operations and customer experience, making it easier for consumers to access and manage their utility services.
Overall, the top 20 utilities companies in India in 2023 are playing a critical role in the development of the Indian economy, providing essential services that are vital to the functioning of households, businesses, and industries.
Their focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer service ensures that they remain competitive and continue to meet the evolving needs of consumers in India.
