​Low-cost renewable energy can help to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon power system. These same resources offer the opportunity to optimize supply-side costs and substantially bring down a distribution utility’s (discom) aggregate expenses. Reduced expenses can lead to the lowering of retail tariffs and an increase in the discom’s cost-competitiveness. Rasika Athawale highlights strategies for cost optimization including re-assessing power purchase contracts, participation in wholesale electricity markets, and retail dynamic pricing. We assess how these strategies can be deployed for Bangalore utility (BESCOM) to help it become cost-competitive and a progressive utility of the future. This presentation is part of a larger podcast hosted by WRI India.