SMART G R I D
Opportunities in Smart Grid Technologies in Indian Power Distribution Plugging leakages in network – a major focus area for power distribution utilities
Ÿ Network losses ( referred to as aggregate technical and commercial ( AT & C ) losses ) are considerably high in India ’ s power distribution segment o While technical losses arise due to the physical infrastructure , it is the commercial component that is a concern , as it is driven by inefficient energy monitoring , accounting and billing
Ÿ Average network losses on a pan-India basis is about 27-28 %, varying widely from as high as over 70 % in the north-eastern states to about 15 % in others
Ÿ Such leakage in network imposes high cost for power distribution operations , especially when tariff realisation is also weak o An estimated $ 17 billion could be attributed to the total power supply lost to network leakages
Key areas of focus for utilities to reduce network losses
Ÿ Revamp of energy accounting and monitoring systems o Comprehensive metering coverage at the consumer , feeder and transformer levels to ensure accurate accounting o Automated metering and billing systems to reduce errors and discrepancies and minimise human interface in operations o Real-time monitoring and tracking of asset and consumer base to ensure loss reduction
Ÿ Re-align business processes o Streamline business processes so as to ensure technology adoption is in sync with objectives o Capacity building and organisational transition to best practices
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