A smart grid integrates automation, communication and information technology systems to monitor power flow from generation points to consumption points, adjusting or reducing load in real time to match generation levels. With the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring 24×7 access to quality, reliable and affordable power for all, the importance of smart grids is paramount. The National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) has played a vital role in fostering the uptake of such technologies through ecosystem development and knowledge dissemination.
Smart grid projects update
NSGM envisages the transformation of last-mile connectivity ecosystems through measures such as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), microgrids, distributed generation, outage management, power quality improvement, peak load management and EV charging infrastructure. Notably, nine smart grid projects with a total cost of over Rs 12.12 billion were sanctioned under NSGM in seven states – Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha and Jharkhand. Of these, seven have been cancelled due to constraints related to counterpart funding, very high bid prices, inordinate delays and privatisation of power departments in Odisha and Chandigarh. Currently, two smart grid projects are being implemented under NSGM, to cater to around 180,000 consumers at a cost of Rs 1.16 billion. These projects are being implemented at Subdivision 5 of the Chandigarh Electricity Division (CED), and the six urban towns of Baran, Bharatpur, Bundi, Dholpur, Jhalawar and Karauli under Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL). As of January 2024, a total of 169,444 smart meters have been installed under these projects, including 24,214 at CED’s Subdivision 5 and 145,230 under JVVNL.
NSGM has developed a smart grid readiness self-assessment tool to assess the readiness of utilities to adopt smart grid technologies, and assist them in their smart grid roadmaps. It has also developed a cost-benefit analysis tool for utility modernisation projects to assess the benefits of smart meters/grids.
Smart grid pilot projects
Eleven smart grid pilot projects sanctioned by the Ministry of Power in 2013 have been completed across Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tripura, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, at a total cost of Rs 2.54 billion. Overall, around 156,000 smart meters have been installed under the pilot smart grid projects. These projects have demonstrated technologies such as AMI, net metering, outage management systems (OMS) and rooftop solar integration. Further, the Smart Grid Knowledge Centre at Manesar has developed a resource centre with AMI, OMS, microgrid/distributed generation and home energy management system functionalities, which also imparts training through capacity building activities for utility professionals.
Lessons learnt
After the introduction of smart grid projects, utilities have experienced a decrease in aggregate technical and commercial losses. Key features such as remote connection/disconnection and demand response/peak load management for time-of-day tariffs have been tested across all pilot projects. These pilots demonstrate the successful integration of legacy metering billing and collection systems with AMI/smart metering. The initial stages of the projects observed some consumer resistance. However, efforts were made to familiarise consumers with the benefits of smart grid deployments. Overall, consumers have noted an enhancement in the quality of power supply.
The rise of smart grids marks a transformative shift in the energy sector, offering bidirectional energy flow and innovative solutions to modern challenges. This transition empowers consumers, bolsters grid resilience, and promotes sustainability. With expanding smart grid projects backed by strong regulatory frameworks and collaborative efforts, India’s vision of a smarter, greener energy future is drawing nearer.