BEE Empowers DISCOMs to Tackle Surging Peak Demand Through DSM Program: Milind Deora

 

•          DSM Program boosts efficiency, enhance operational efficiency in Southern States

•          Green Revolution Kickoff: BEE  launches DISCOMs-Capacity Building Programe for South zone

•          BEE orchestrated an MoU signing ceremony for the DSM implementation project for Southern States

•          BEE  Secretary Milind Deora: DSM Catalyst for Peak Demand Reduction and Conservation

•          DSM measures helps for 10% peak electricity demand savings, promoting environmental conservation benefiting utilities and Consumers at large.

•          EPDCL's  ( Andhra Pradesh) peak demand surged from 3900 MW last year to a formidable 4550 MW this year

•          Nationally, peak demand is charging ahead with a robust 10-12 percent uptick

•          Discoms in India buy power at around Rs 10 per unit, and thermal power production & transmission  costs range from Rs 10 to 12 crore / megawatt

•          DSM Measures span diverse sectors, including domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural, aiming to revolutionize energy consumption patterns

 In a strategic move aimed at strengthening Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and addressing the imminent surge in peak demand, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Ministry of Power, GOI, spearheads the DISCOMs-Capacity Building Programme for Southern States including AP.  This visionary initiative reshapes the nation's power landscape by establishing a robust framework within DISCOMs, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and propel the nation toward a dynamic, greener, and sustainable energy ecosystem.

In a most significant event held in Hyderabad, BEE orchestrated an MoU signing ceremony for the DSM implementation project under the "DISCOM's Capacity Building" program for Southern States. Eastern Power Distribution Company Ltd (EPDCL) Vizag , joined by select DISCOMs from Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Andaman Nicobar, has entered into impactful MoUs with BEE, marking a significant commitment to the DISCOMs-Capacity Building Programme.

BEE's critical DSM Measures Implementation Projects, integral for bolstering energy efficiency across sectors, gain added significance with the Ministry of Power's extended approval until FY 2021-26. The emphasis on capacity building is vital for DISCOMs to effectively implement identified DSM measures, proven to cut peak electricity demands and defer extensive investments. BEE's commitment extends beyond guidance, providing two years of robust technical and financial support, ensuring the success of DSM measures.

Demand Side Management: A Catalyst for Change:

BEE Secretary Milind Deora on behalf of BEE Director General Abhay Bhakre highlighted that Demand Side Management is a potent tool in reducing peak electricity demands by modifying consumer electricity demand. By encouraging consumers to use less energy during peak hours and shifting consumption to off-peak hours, DSM programs significantly impact overall electric bills , Consumers in particular Domestic sector will be able to get reduced Electricity monthly Bills and lower operational costs for Discoms .

Secretary has also Congratulated Spl CS. Energy dept. K. Vijayanand and CMD EPDCL Prudwi  Tej for entering in to MOU with BEE for  taking up DSM programs, also asserted that a substantial surge in  APEPDCL, demand – catapulting from 3900 MW last year to a formidable 4550 MW this year during Summer. He has complimented EPDCL for adopting latest technologies & best Practices in providing the best services to the Consumers and stood number one position in reducing Aggregate & Commercial Losses.  

 Nationally, peak demand is charging ahead with a robust 10-12 percent uptick. August 2023 witnessed a commanding 234 Giga watt (GW )peak demand, projected to skyrocket to an astonishing 320 GW by 2030.

Milind Deora underscored the financial landscape, pointing out that Discoms procure power at an average Rs 10 per unit, with the thermal power production cost, including transmission and distribution, ranging from Rs 10 crore to 12 crore per megawatt for Discoms. In this dynamic scenario, the implementation of Demand Side Management (DSM) measures is not just crucial but imperative to tackle the impending surge in peak demand at both National and state levels.

Emphasizing the urgency, Deora passionately urged States to actively engage in the Discoms capacity-building program. He assured that the BEE, MOP and EESL Government of India stands fully committed to providing steadfast support for this vital initiative. He reiterated that during recent Program of EESL in Delhi the Hon'ble Minister for  Power & NRE. Shri. RK Singh emphasised all States to avail the cost effective technologies provided by BEE and EESL in providing Energy Efficiency appliances like BLDC Fans which ensures 75 percentage energy savings and induction cooking stoves for enhancing quality of life.

With a saving potential of approximately 10% of peak electricity demand, DSM measures contribute to environmental conservation and resource efficiency. Geographically covering a minimum of 20% of DISCOM areas, 10% of total sub-divisions, and 10% of consumers considered for DSM measures implementation, the benefits extend beyond individual consumers to utilities and society at large.

Identified DSM Measures:

DSM Measures span diverse sectors, including domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural, aiming to revolutionize energy consumption patterns. The mandatory use of energy-efficient equipment in government facilities is a step towards a sustainable and energy-conscious future.

BEE's groundbreaking DSM Capacity Building Program spans 62 DISCOMs across India, showcasing unwavering dedication to nationwide energy efficiency. Remarkably, 61 out of the chosen 62 DISCOMs actively embraced the initiative, establishing steadfast DSM cells. Further, 24 states and 8 Union Territories have adopted DSM regulations, a pivotal stride in actualizing BEE's comprehensive scheme. Successful load research studies and DSM action plans were executed by 57 DISCOMs in Phases I and II, accompanied by the development of 1450 Master Trainers and intensive capacity-building for 7650 circle-level officials. BEE's support to 60 DISCOMs enabled the realization of 69 DSM proposals aligned with action plans, a crucial step in achieving DSM Measures Implementation Projects.

VC & MD TS REDCO Janaiah, CEO ,SECM Kumar Reddy ,CE EPDCL Simhadri apart from representatives from Southern States Participated in the Program.