Infocus
Price Pressures
Tariffs for coal-based plants have increased over the years due to the dependence on imported coal, which is relatively more expensive than domestic coal, and delays in the execution of projects, which led to an […]
Infocus
Infocus
Uncertain Future: Headwinds continue to impact coal-based plants
Coal-based power generation continues to account for a significant share in the country’s total installed capacity base and plays an important role in meeting the growing power demand. The coal-based power generation segment has been […]
Power Distribution in India
Open Access Hurdles: Cross-subsidisation and low collection efficiency remain key challenges
By Prateek Aggarwal, Senior Analyst, and Vikas Chandra Agarwal, Director (Distribution), Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission India, home to one-sixth of the world’s population, is the fastest growing and the third largest economy in the […]
Power Distribution in India
Intelligent Systems: Technology trends in transformers and substations
One of the key priorities of power utilities is to provide reliable power to end-users. However, owing to various reasons, including an increase in load and technical breakdowns in the system, uninterrupted supply of power […]
Power Distribution in India
Renewed Interest: Utilities revisit the distribution franchise model
Since the award of the first distribution franchise (DF) in 2006 by Mahadiscom, various utilities have attempted to adopt the DF model. While some are operating successfully, some were terminated due to various challenges like […]
Power Distribution in India
Metering Best Practices: Solutions to improve operational efficiency
Distribution utilities have been under constant scrutiny from regulators and customers alike, owing to their inefficient operations and poor financial health. In a bid to make their operations more cost-effective, prepare for an increasing shift […]
Power Distribution in India
Powering Villages: DDUGJY achieves 99 per cent electrification of rural India
The Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) was launched in December 2014 with the objective of providing 24×7 power supply to rural households, completing the balance work under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), […]
Power Distribution in India
“IPDS is a much more holistic programme”
What have been the key achievements under the IPDS so far? We have sanctioned projects worth Rs 258.48 billion in 3,597 urban towns across 526 circles in the country. These are network strengthening projects, which […]
Power Distribution in India
Turning the Corner?: A promising year for UDAY
Inadequate tariff revisions, operational inefficiencies and non-timely subsidy from the state governments have resulted in a poor performance by the power distribution segment. The legacy issue of mounting operating losses has lowered the ability of […]
Power Distribution in India
Distribution Hope: IPDS sets the pace for segment revival
Things are looking up for the distribution segment with a number of initiatives taken by the government for its revival. The Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) launched in December 2014 is one such initiative. Though […]
Infocus
Increasing Efficiency: Distribution utilities adopt IT solutions in a big way
Power distribution utilities are significantly building additional layers of automation, communication and IT systems to achieve operational efficiency and reduce losses. In addition, analytics and integration of IT and OT have become a business necessity […]
Infocus
Transmission Automation: IT and OT transform critical grid functions
Grid stability is one of the crucial concerns of power transmission companies. Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) play a crucial role in maintaining grid stability and other critical functions such as automating grid […]
Infocus
Merging Networks: Gencos aim to combine IT&OT for better communication
In recent years, the implementation of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) networks has provided multiple benefits to gencos such as better inventory management, monitoring and optimisation of processes, streamlining of coal supply and […]
Infocus
Beacon of Prosperity: PGVCL’s smart village pilot project generates all round positives
Rural infrastructure improvement has been the central component of Gujarat’s development agenda. The state takes pride in possessing one of the most developed electricity systems, having achieved the target of 24×7 power supply to villages […]
Infocus
Checking Cyberattacks: Crisis management plans aim to secure power systems
The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2008 defines cybersecurity as the protection of information, equipment, devices, computers, computer resources, communication devices and information stored therein from unauthorised access. Over the years, the risk of cyberattacks across […]
Infocus
Reliable Operations: URTDSM project to ensure better real-time monitoring of grid parameters
The transmission grid in India has witnessed significant changes such as grid integration, increasing renewable power generation and power market strengthening over the past few years. This has led to the demand for a sophisticated […]
Infocus
Managing Data: AMI and MDAS crucial for improving metering landscape
The metering landscape in India is fast evolving. Utilities have started deploying smarter meters, which can track and report data on multiple parameters other than consumption. Most utilities have also installed automated meter reading (AMR) […]
Infocus
Rising Relevance: Cloud computing helps power utilities in storing and accessing data
Cloud computing is witnessing growing uptake across enterprises in various sectors. In simplest terms, cloud computing refers to storing and accessing data and programmes on remote servers hosted on the internet instead of on hard […]
Infocus
Smart Grid Projects: Overview and current status
Smart grids play an important role in reducing aggregate technical and commercial losses, managing the power demand curve, ensuring quality power supply and meeting the growing power demand. The Ministry of Power (MoP) along with […]
Infocus
Strengthening Distribution: Government schemes encourage IT implementation
The integration of information technology (IT) in distribution infrastructure is imperative to reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses and ensure reliable power supply, among other things. Taking this into cognisance, the central government is implementing […]