Two Day Capacity Building Workshop on Smart Meters and Smart Grid Technologies
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are emerging as a key player in India’s energy transition through innovation and technology enhancement. A major part of this transformation is the adoption of smart meters and smart grid technologies, which are set to change how we generate, distribute, and use electricity. A two day capacity building workshop on Smart Meters and Smart Grid Technologies was recently concluded in Port Blair from August 30-31, 2024. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by USAID’s SAREP program and the Electricity Department of the A&N Administration, brought together over 45 officers from the Electricity Department of Andaman and Nicobar, for a deep dive into the transformative potential of these cutting-edge technologies.
During the workshop’s opening session, Dr. Prashant Kumar, Director (Power) for the Electricity Department, A&N Administration, highlighted the advantages of smart metering while also acknowledging the challenges posed by low communication rates experienced in some of the areas having smart meters. Ms. Madhuri Shukla, Superintending Engineer (Tech) for the Electricity Department, also echoed the importance of such capacity-building initiatives.
The first day of the workshop focused on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Smart Metering and its critical role in modernizing the Indian Power Distribution sector. The key topics included:
- Smart Metering Basics: Understanding the product chain from consumer to utility, smart prepayment meter functionalities, and the different benefits of AMI systems,
- Data Analytics: Detailed insights into data volume, quality, real-time processing, and efficient algorithm development,
- Business Models for Smart Metering: Discussions on various business models (CAPEX, OPEX, TOTEX, and Hybrid) and procurement strategies provided participants with the tools needed to implement and manage smart metering projects effectively.
Day two covered the advanced world of smart distribution technologies. Participants gained valuable insights into SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, outage management strategies, and cybersecurity – all essential elements in building a more reliable and consumer-centric energy grid. Highlights of day two included:
- SCADA Systems: Participants explored the basics of SCADA components, applications, hardware, and software requirements. The session included a case study on advanced SCADA technologies in distribution networks,
- Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Outage Management System (OMS): These sessions provided insights into real-time monitoring, grid optimization, fault detection, and integration of renewable energy sources within the distribution network,
- Smart Distribution Technologies: The workshop concluded with an in-depth session on latest Smart Distribution Technologies such as Drone based asset health management, Sensor and thermal model based DT health monitoring , LV dashboard based data analytics, IoT based sensors for substations etc., to name a few, emphasizing the importance of adopting these technologies in DISCOMs journey towards advancement and better operational services.
During the interactive discussion among participants, several important queries were raised, including the implications of smart meter data access on privacy and security, the need for effective training for IT sector employees, and strategies to enhance overall consumer satisfaction.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Madhuri Shukla, Superintending Engineer (Tech), summarized the two-day discussions and highlighted key outcomes. She emphasized the use of data analytics based on experienced individual’s input through knowledge sharing amongst team, the use of the Energy Management Centre for system feedback, and pressed upon the idea of setting up of a system for direct retrieval of transformer data for analysis of outage reasons and further improvement in Outage management.
By fostering knowledge sharing and equipping participants with practical skills, the workshop laid a strong foundation for successfully integrating smart grid technologies in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and beyond.
