The power puzzle is navigating affordability and sustainability in an era of change

This article addresses the intricate dynamics of the power sector, emphasising the need to harmonise consumer demands, optimise data utilisation, and promote sustainable infrastructure development.

The most significant challenge  pertains to tariff structures and power availability. The move toward peak and off-peak tariffs  presents intricate challenges. 

Shifting our focus to efficiency, the  Bureau of Energy Efficiency has  introduced the Perform, Achieve,  and Trade (PAT) program for thermal  power stations. Above a certain  capacity, these stations must undergo  energy audits and report findings to  the Bureau. However, the fate of the  collected data remains uncertain, as  the assessment of PAT programs often  lingers for three to four years. This  delay raises questions about enforcing  energy efficiency regulations and  the efficacy of penalties and Energy  Savings Certificates. 

Moreover, the Bureau has established  rules for Discoms to submit reports  at the feeder level and other granular  data. However, this wealth of  information often meets a dead end.  The lack of a feedback loop from  regulators to the entities generating  this data poses a significant challenge.  We are amassing information at an  unprecedented rate, yet our capacity  for analysis and feedback still needs  to be developed. 

Unveiling the Reality of Public EV  Charging Stations 

Lastly, the burgeoning electric vehicle  (EV) market demands attention.  Thousands of charging points have  sprung across the country, especially  along highways. However, the reality  on the ground raises doubts about the  efficacy of these investments.  

Even with the advent of fast-charging  stations, the practicality of long charging  stops needs to be revised. Consumers  would need more patience or time to  spend hours charging their vehicles.  This underscores the need for a more  strategic approach to EV infrastructure  development. 

In conclusion, the power sector is  awash with data, and we are yet  

generation and data analysis.  Consumers deserve transparency  and fair pricing, and regulators must  ensure that the laws put in place are  followed effectively. The EV revolution,  while promising, demands a closer  look at infrastructure planning and  utilisation. 

As we continue down this path of  energy transformation, it is crucial to  keep the consumer at the forefront  of our considerations. Only through  rigorous analysis and feedback can  we ensure that the investments  made, often in the billions, truly add  value to the lives of those they are  meant to serve. The power sector’s  future success depends on our ability  to navigate this maze of choices,  ensuring affordability, efficiency, and  sustainability for all.

Spokesperson- Dr. Bhaskar Natrajan Senior Fellow Alliance for Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE)