IEEMA T&D focuses on smart and green electrical solutions

The industry is focusing on the implementation of smart technologies that will help transform the seemingly traditional, manpower-heavy sector into a smarter, more efficient power system.

Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA) hosted its 14th edition of T&D Conclave in its physical format after two years at Hotel Shangrila Eros in New Delhi recently.

The distribution sector is a vital link in the power sector value chain as it completes the revenue cycle. Unfortunately, this is the weakest link in the power sector in India. This not only has had an effect on the financial health of the distribution utilities but has also widened the demand-supply gap further. The Prime Minister’s call for Atma Nirbhar Bharat exudes confidence in the country’s ability to get its growth back on track. 

Vipul Ray, President, IEEMA asserted, “The industry is focusing on the implementation of smart technologies like an evolved grid system, smart meters, digital asset management that will help transform the seemingly traditional, manpower-heavy sector into a smarter, more efficient power system with each element in the value chain re-imagining their processes and streamlining infrastructure.”

Rajeev Dalela, Chairman, IEEMA T&D Division said, “With the increased support of the government and improved economics, the sector has become attractive for the investors. As India looks to meet its energy demand on its own, the renewable energy and EV segment is set to play an important role.”

Vinayak Chatterjee,  Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) National Task Force on Infrastructure Projects and Co-Founder, Feedback Infrastructure Services Pvt Ltd opined, “The government has given a massive push to the infrastructure sector by allocating ₹233,083 crore (US$ 32.02 billion) to enhance the transport infrastructure. The government expanded the ‘National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)’ to 7,400 projects.  217 projects worth Rs. 1.10 lakh crore (US$ 15.09 billion) were completed as of 2020. Through the NIP, the government invested US$ 1.4 trillion in infrastructure development. 

A panel discussion was also held on Distribution Reforms – Challenges and Opportunities where Vishal Kapoor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power expressed his views stating that “Over the years, GoI has Launched several initiatives for a better distribution system. Schemes like Saubhagya, DDUGJY & IPDS have been a few successful schemes which has led to significant improvement in the way discoms are performing. Now discoms need to focus to increase their operational efficiency and become more customer-centric.  With all these schemes in place, we aim to bring down AT&C losses from 21 percent to 12-15 percent in the next 4 years.”