With 26 years of experience in the generation, transmission and renewable sectors, and having been involved in pioneering technologies such as battery energy storage systems and electric vehicle (EV) solutions, Nilesh Kane aims to deliver best-in-class services through cutting-edge technology for consumers. Currently working as chief, distribution (Mumbai operations), Tata Power, he oversees the Mumbai distribution business. He is also a certified auditor of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and a member of Bureau of Indian Standards committees.
On the state of the power distribution segment in Mumbai, Kane highlights, “Mumbai operates under a unique and competitive power distribution model. There are few parallel licensees, which ensures that the city’s consumers receive efficient and reliable power supply 24×7. Tata Power Mumbai is proud to be a benchmark utility with a SAIDI of less than 10 minutes, a SAIFI of 0.5 and AT&C losses less than 2 per cent. With the introduction of the green power tariff, Tata Power has paved the way for 100 per cent consumption entirely based on renewable energy across segments.
“With the increasing expectations of Mumbai customers for reliable power supply, it is a constant endeavour at our end to be agile in our innovative offerings,” remarks Kane. He adds that Tata Power is exceeding customer expectations by offering a sustainable mix in its energy portfolio as well as pioneering world-class technologies, adopting smart metering, installing compact substations and automation systems, implementing internet of things coupled with artificial intelligence and robotic process automation among others. Value-added services such as demand-side management, energy efficient programmes, home automation solutions and EV charging solutions are also helping in maintaining customer trust. Increase in power purchase costs is one of the challenges faced by the utility, for which solutions such as demand response, blockchain-based applications and increasing the green portfolio have been put in place.
Kane takes pride in the grid- and community-level battery energy storage systems commissioned in India. He believes in a transparent, customer-centric and ethical work culture. The innate gifts of identifying people’s strengths and creating equal opportunities for all have enabled him to mentor and motivate personnel to deliver with competence.