RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

The history of electricity distribution schemes in India by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) reflects the evolution of the power sector to address the country's growing energy demands and ensure reliable supply. Here is an overview of DISCOM schemes, starting from earlier reforms to current programs: 1. Early Reforms (Pre-2000) Electricity distribution in India was initially handled by state electricity boards (SEBs). These boards were vertically integrated, managing generation, transmission, and distribution. However, inefficiencies like losses, theft, and inadequate infrastructure led to poor performance. Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 : Formation of SEBs for integrated management. Challenges : High Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and poor service delivery. 2. Unbundling and Restructuring (Post-2000) The focus shifted to unbundling SEBs into generation, transmission, and distribution entities. This era saw the rise of independent DISCOMs. Electricity Act, 200...

Scope of Implementation in India: Grid Integration with Renewables : India’s power sector is rapidly moving toward renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are essential to manage intermittency and stabilize the grid. DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) are crucial for integrating ESS to ensure consistent power supply, especially during peak and off-peak hours. Demand Management : With increasing electricity demand, DISCOMs in India face challenges in ensuring reliable supply. ESS can be deployed for demand response programs, load shifting, and peak shaving to reduce stress on the grid during high demand periods. Frequency Regulation : ESS plays a significant role in maintaining grid frequency within permissible limits. In India, where frequency fluctuations are common, deploying storage systems can help maintain grid stability and avoid penalties for DISCOMs. Decentralized Power Generation : India is focusing on decentralized generation and micr...

India, often referred to as an agrarian economy, relies heavily on agriculture as a primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of its population. As a result, agriculture plays a pivotal role not just in food security but also in the consumption of energy, specifically power. Agriculture’s dependence on electricity is evident in its usage for irrigation, mechanized farming equipment, and storage, contributing significantly to the overall energy demand in the country. With India progressing towards becoming a developed nation, investments in the agricultural sector have risen consistently over the years. The government has made substantial strides in electrifying rural areas and providing affordable power for farmers, but this has also led to some challenges in managing energy demand and the financial sustainability of power utilities. This article examines the maximum agricultural power-consuming states in India, the challenges associated with agricultural power consumption...