Smart cable systems can help in curbing AT&C losses

Real-time data analytics and monitoring mitigate losses, enhance performance, and ensure grid resilience.

In the dynamic landscape of India’s utilities sector, digital transformation is paramount. Bhushan Sawhney, Executive President and Chief Business Officer spearheading this shift, offers insights into the pivotal factors driving this evolution. From enhancing grid efficiency to leveraging government initiatives, Sawhney discusses the cable industry’s adaptation to digital transformation, government initiatives benefiting the sector, Polycab’s strategies for market competition, and the contribution of smart cable systems in curbing AT&C losses. Their commitment to digitalisation, innovation, and sustainability positions.

How can digital technologies address the challenges in India’s power sector?

India’s growing population and economy have driven the increase in demand for electricity. This necessitates more efficient and reliable power distribution systems, which can be achieved through digital technologies and shifting the focus towards renewable energy sources, integrating renewables like solar and wind power into the grid requires digital technologies to ensure a stable power supply. The ageing infrastructure in India’s power sector requires modernisation, and digital technologies can help monitor and manage assets more effectively, improving reliability and reducing downtime.Government initiatives like Smart Cities Mission and Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme promote digitalisation in the utilities sector. Schemes such as Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research are launched to leverage emerging technologies in the utilities sector and make the country a manufacturing hub.

How is the cable industry supporting the power sector’s growth and transformation?

The development and deployment of advanced cables that can support the increased data transmission and power requirements of modern utilities show that the cable industry is well in alignment with the growth and transformation of the power sector. These cables are designed to be more durable, efficient, and reliable, helping utilities improve grid performance and reduce maintenance costs. The industry collaborates with utilities to provide custom cable solutions that address their needs and challenges. At Polycab, we have also extended our digitalisation efforts to our supply chain to ensure efficiency and maintain raw material quality. The success of government policies such as the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), whose main objective is strengthening sub-transmission and distribution networks in urban areas, Real Time-Data Acquisition System (RT-DAS) projects, etc., show that the cable industry has well adapted to the digital transformation in the power sector.

How have Indian government initiatives impacted the cable manufacturers?

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to boost the cable industry, such as the Make in India program and the National Electricity Policy. These initiatives have helped our company expand its manufacturing capacity and increase its market share in the cable industry. Additionally, the government has implemented policies to promote the use of advanced cables in the power sector, further boosting demand for our products. The commissioning of various Ultra Mega Power Projects based on thermal power has created cable demand. Renewable energy initiatives undertaken by the government, such as the establishment of solar parks, approval of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, and the National Solar Mission, have increased the ability of renewable resources to fill the supply-demand gap, boosting the demand for more cable solutions.

What are your strategies for competing in this ever-evolving market?

With a sales target of ₹200 billion by FY26, to enhance our market position through strategic initiatives that improve our organisational, digital, and functional excellence. We’re focused on becoming a digital-first organisation, creating value for stakeholders, and strengthening our business objectives through digitalisation, improved customer experience, and data analytics. Our continued investments in building capacities and deploying state-of-the-art technologies, combined with our robust R&D efforts, have allowed us to stay ahead of the curve. Aiming to deliver on our brand promise of establishing a lasting connection through transformational ideas with end-consumers for generations, with technology as a powerful enabler. Utilising our optimised distribution network and fully digitalised sales process, we maintain optimal inventory levels, allowing dealers and distributors to carry less inventory without needing to predict commodity price movements and thus achieve sustainable margins.

Can you talk about how smart cable systems help curb AT&C losses?

The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs aims to reduce AT&C losses to pan-India levels of 12-15percent and the ACS-ARR gap to zero by 2024-25. By providing utilities with real-time data on their grid performance, smart cable systems contribute to curbing AT&C losses. The data can be used to identify and address issues such as theft, faulty equipment, and inefficiencies more quickly and accurately. This allows the utility to take prompt action, thereby preventing further losses and improving overall performance.

Spokesperson : Bhushan Sawhney – Executive President and Chief Business Officer, Polycab