J&K introducing Smart Grid Tech to reduce AT&C losses, outages

MoU signed between PDD, PGCIL; 4 towns being taken up initially

Posted on 16/09/2012 by Dailyexcelsior

Mohinder
Verma
JAMMU, Sept 15: In order to reduce the Aggregated Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and outages besides
ensuring customer satisfaction, the State Government has decided to introduce Smart Grid Technology and a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Power Development Department and Power Grid
Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) to develop consumer-utility interactive Smart Grid in various areas of the State.
Initially, four townsKatra, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Leh are being taken on pilot basis.
Authoritative sources told EXCELSIOR that realizing increased complexities in every segment of the entire electricity
value chain, the State Government has felt it prudent to adopt Smart Grid applications to facilitate efficient and
reliable end-to-end intelligent two-way delivery systems from source to end-user through integration of renewable
energy sources, smart transmission and distribution systems, energy efficiency and demand-supply forecasting.
Since significant effort, investment and allocation of resources were required to develop the new Smart Grid
infrastructure, the State Government approached the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, which has expertise in
the Smart Grid technology, sources said, adding after series of meetings and discussions, the Power Development
Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PGCIL some days back.
The consumer utility interactive Smart Grid would be developed in various areas which will cover smart metering and
control through advanced metering infrastructure, power quality management, peak load management, outage
management systems, micro-grid systems, integration of multiple renewable energy sources, energy storage
technology and electric vehicles etc, sources said adding this will improve billing and collection efficiency and thereby
help in reduction of Aggregated Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, reduce outages, improved customer
satisfaction,
energy
efficiency
and
conservation.
In response to a question, they said, holy town of Katra, tourist resorts of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Leh town are
being taken up on pilot basis with an investment of Rs 100 crore, adding pilot project of Katra at an estimated cost
of
Rs
12
crore
has
already
been
prepared.
As per the MoU, Power Development Department would have the role and responsibility of identification of electricity
distribution areas to undertake development of Smart Grid Project, assist in formulating the Smart Grid functionalities
to be implemented in next three years aiming at full utilization of the distribution assets in the identified areas with
energy conservation and efficiency, provide land, infrastructure, electricity and water for establishment of Smart Grid
projects and design and implementation of commercial models for success of Smart Grid.
The PGCIL would assist the PDD in identification of electricity distribution areas for establishment of Smart Grid,
preparation of bankable DPR covering Smart Grid functionalities, invitation of bids, evaluation of bids and award of
contracts, supervision of construction and commissioning of Smart Grid functionalities, formulation of
policy/guidelines for development of generation projects in J&K from renewable energy resources and its utilization.
In response to a question, they said that PDD will pay the project management charges to PGCIL on mutually agreed
terms
and
conditions,
adding
the
MoU
will
continue
for
a
period
of
five
years.
The PGCIL will raise funds from the Financial Institutions on behalf of the Power Development Department and the
improved revenue following use of Smart Grid Technology will be utilized to clear the funds raised from Financial
Institutions, sources said in response to another question.