How to create a better power distribution Network 

News: Government in July 2021 launched Revamped Distribution Sector Reform Scheme (RDSS) scheme 

This is the latest of many central government grant-based programmes towards electricity distribution network investments. This has been introduced to increase access and improving performance in the electricity distribution sector.   

What is the Revamped Distribution Sector Reform Scheme (RDSS) scheme? 

The scheme will support financially-strained electricity distribution companies. It includes provision for better feeder and transformer metering and pre-paid smart consumer metering, power loss reduction and strengthening networks.  

What are some limitation still present in the scheme? 

It has complex processes and conditions for fund disbursal. Many scheme of the past have had a similar problem. 

The scheme also suffers from Lack of public review and regulatory oversight in states. 

RDSS emphasises loss reduction investments over system strengthening. However, high losses are typically connected to sustained poor quality service which, in turn, is affected by inadequate investment in system strengthening.   

There is also need for evaluating whether measures suggested in the scheme such as privatisation and franchisee adoption are suitable or not. 

Despite these limitations, the Scheme can bring a lot of positive changes for India’s power sector. 

How should it be implemented to Strengthen Indian power distribution sector? 

Strengthen rural networks – Actual investments in the rural sector have been much less than planned. Also, connections given to rural homes were optimal for lower electricity consumption like for operating few lights, fan and TV. This does not account for use of appliances such as refrigerators and mixers. Without incorporating this, the risk of power outages is high. This can be fixed through RDSS system’s strengthening plans. 

Separate feeders for agricultural consumers – Farmers currently receive highly subsidised, but erratic and poor quality supply.  

This can be addressed by leveraging national KUSUM scheme’s day-time, low-cost supply which can be provided to a large number of farmers by installing megawatt scale solar plants. Under this, there is a supply of eight hours of quality power directly to dedicated agricultural feeders. This would address farmers’ demand for reliable supply and almost half the discom’s cost and subsidy requirements. 

For this, separate feeders for agricultural consumers can be provided under RDSS. 

Automatic metering of distribution feeders: This will help in accurate energy accounting and loss monitoring. All feeders must be equipped with meters capable of communicating readings without manual intervention. States should leverage RDSS’s emphasis on automatic meter reading for this.  

RDSS prescribes a phase-wise roll-out of consumer smart meters, starting with commercial and industrial consumers and urban areas. This approach will provide states with an opportunity to understand implementation issues, adopt suitable strategies for metering and evolve frameworks for assessing benefits vis-a-vis the costs. 

Electrical vehicles: Grants under RDSS can be used to address the demand of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This can accelerate a shift away from petrol and diesel fuels. 

Source: This post is based on the article “How to create a better power distribution Network” published in Indian express on 7th Feb 2022.