Sandhya Sundararagavan

India’s present installed capacity, 1,62,366.80 MW excluding captive power, allows for a modest per capita consumption of some 800 kWh/capita (CSTEP’s estimate). The mix is dominated by coal, which is only 53% of the capacity but higher when it comes to generation. The generation is insufficient to meet the demand, resulting in a shortfall of both peak capacity as well as energy overall (officially 12.6% and 9.9%, respectively). There is a large push towards increasing supply, with an aim of tripling capacity in the coming 1-2 decades.

Keeping in view India’s recent international commitment to expand the share of renewable electricity to 40%

Offshore wind trends are going to blow faster and steadier as compared to onshore wind. With a 7600-km coastline, India could become an attractive hub for offshore and wind investors in the coming years.

A synergy between smart grid infrastructure and EVs could enable utilities to work more effectively by managing the charging schedule, informing state transport agencies on EV charging status and keeping track of billing data through smart communication systems.

Integral to UDAY, smart meters can help discoms overhaul services. But picking the right technology is the issue.

CSTEP has observed a lack of awareness amongst employees about AT&C losses, a lack of accountability, inadequate manpower and resources, poor operation and maintenance of the infrastructure, etc.

The launch of Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) in November 2015 gave new hope to the ailing distribution companies (DISCOMs) in India. Karnataka signed up for UDAY with a view to improve its operational efficiency. The DISCOMs under the scheme have to reduce Aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses to 14.2% , and bring down the gap between average cost of supply (ACS) and average revenue realisation (ARR) to zero by 2019.

While DISCOMs are working towards bringing down the AT&C loss through several initiatives, streamlining the current energy audit process in DISCOMs could be a game changer.

Strategic Roadmap for Implementation of UDAY Scheme

Karnataka Electricity Demand Forecasting FY17-22