Introduction
In South Asia, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program, the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) is supporting Distribution Utilities for providing quality, reliable, efficient, cleaner 24×7 power supply to all citizens. Ministry of Power (MoP), Government of India (GoI) is implementing distribution reforms through its flagship Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) with the goal of minimizing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and enhancing the distribution infrastructure. SAREP is supporting MoP, nodal agencies and state distribution utilities to implement smart distribution, innovative demonstration projects and build capacity of workforce.
Key Interventions
- Innovative Demonstration Projects
- Smart Grid Knowledge Centre
- Smart Distribution Cities
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Optimizing Power Procurement
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Distribution Utility Network (DUN)
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Capacity Building
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Cyber Aware Digital Transformation
- Asset management using AI/ML based drone application in Madhya Pradesh (MP) Central DISCOM
- Distribution transformer health monitoring in MP East DISCOM
- AI/ML based Distribution network analytics in MP West DISCOM
- Consumer engagement for distribution management in Assam DISCOM
- Building-Grid integration metrics and program frameworks in Indore DISCOM
- Behavioral demand response in North Delhi DISCOM
- AI-based Digital Assistant (Chatbot) – “Bidyut Bandhu” for consumer engagement in DPDC (Dhaka DISCOM), Bangladesh
- Smart metering rollout support to Maldives utilities
- Incubation Hub for smart-grid technologies supported
- Strategized Technology Innovation Park
- Virtual SGKC developed
- National Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Resource Centre (NSRC) – a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for distribution utilitiess
- Updation of smart-grid master plan with advanced technologies for Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC)
- Cost-benefit analysis for smart meter implementation of Thimphu, BPC
- Supported National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) by developing approach note on “Smart Distribution cities” in India
- Development of implementation approach, technology selection, specifications, costing, and detailed project reports for five cities- New Delhi, Varanasi, Indore, Patna and Guwahati
- Conceptualization and design of Smart Distribution in Thimphu city, Bhutan
- Development of concept, implementation approach, selection criteria, estimates for technology deployment and Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for 5 cities- New Delhi, Varanasi, Indore, Patna and Guwahati
- National Energy Portfolio Management program titled ‘Urja Prabandhan Abhishayak Aayojna (UPAAY)’ in partnership with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) – a comprehensive, centralized, customizable, plug-and-play, cost-effective, and cybersecure power purchase optimization solution for DISCOMs
- Hand-holding two DISCOMs to deploy UPAAY for efficient demand forecast, schedule optimization, and power procurement from exchanges
- Establishment and institutionalization of DUN in Power Finance Corporation (PFC)
- Enable Utility-to-Utility (U2U) connect and knowledge sharing among distribution utilities in South Asia
- Develop tools and knowledge products for South Asian distribution utilities
- Design and rollout strategy for training programs under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for executives of Indian distribution utilities
- Develop training modules and conduct Training-of-Trainers on smart metering in partnership with Power Sector Skill Council (PSSC) and National Power Training Institute (NPTI) on smart metering and advanced technologies
- Develop training modules and conduct Training-of-Trainers on smart distribution, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and other advanced technologies for regional distribution utilities
- Development of Cybersecurity Posture Assessment Tool (CPAT) for power sector utilities
- Comprehensive preparedness assessment for distribution utilities
- Capacity building for senior and operational level officials
- Assessment of 2 Distribution and 2 Transmission utilities