Special Report
Reforming power distribution
IEEMA recently organized “DistribuELEC 2019” event in Mumbai. The event had a series of covenant conferences and panel discussions where extensive deliberations on the Indian power distribution sector took place. This story by Venugopal Pillai, based on views expressed by various speakers at these conferences, attempts to dwell upon key issues affecting the Indian power distribution sector.
Ladakh gets National Grid connectivity
- Feb 15, 2019
On February 3, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the 220kV Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh power transmission system to the nation. This was a defining moment in the history of India as the topographically challenged Ladakh region in Jammu & Kashmir, after over 70 years of Independence, got connected to the National Grid.
TBCB route proposed for major transmission scheme in Gujarat
- Jan 17, 2019
The National Committee on Transmission (NCT), in a recent meeting, has recommended the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route for a major transmission project in Gujarat.
The transmission scheme, officially known as “Western Region System Strengthening Scheme – 21 (Part A and Part B)” is expected to cost a little over Rs.2,700 crore.
NCT recommends scrapping of Himachal Pradesh transmission scheme
- Dec 11, 2018
The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) in its recent meeting has recommended the de-notification of a power transmission scheme in Himachal Pradesh, as the committee expected significant delay in the commissioning of the underlying power generation projects.
TBCB power transmission projects dwindle
- Nov 20, 2018
Over the past one year, there has been no appreciable movement in interregional power transmission projects awarded under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism, as gauged from official statistics released by Central Electricity Authority. Given that the TBCB mechanism is a very important dimension of reforms in the power sector, this sluggishness is worrisome, notes Venugopal Pillai.
CRGO issues still haunt transformer industry
- Oct 17, 2018
Cold rolled grain oriented (CRGO) steel is a critical input in the transformer industry. However, CRGO has had a very difficult time in the Indian transformer industry—for a variety of reasons.
The new paradigms in power T&D
- Oct 15, 2018
Industry body Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) recently held its annual convention in Mumbai. The convention, which anchored around the theme “Go Global,” sought to create a roadmap for Indian electrical equipment manufacturers to turn globally competitive. An eminent panel not only deliberated on the said theme but also imparted keen insights on the changing dynamics in the Indian power T&D sector. This special story is based on gleanings from this panel discussion.
NTPC-BHEL equipment JV on verge of closure
- Sep 26, 2018
NTPC has conveyed to the Union power ministry its intent of exiting from the loss making equipment manufacturing joint venture formed with Bharat Heavy Electricals in 2006, it was recently informed in Parliament.
T&D contractors see positive changes in policy framework
- Jul 21, 2018
Augmenting power transmission capacity is one of India’s foremost objectives as the country strives to transfer an ever growing quantum of power—from generation centres to far-flung consumption areas. Laying overhead power transmission lines is a highly land-centric activity, which is often fraught with difficulties and unpleasant surprises. T&D India got in touch with leading power transmission contractors to understand the ground-level challenges and how the fraternity is working towards surmounting them.
Energy meter procurement gathers steam
- Jul 14, 2018
Union power minister R.K. Singh recently announced that over the next three years, India will predominantly have prepaid meters obviating the need for electricity bills reaching the consumer. In this context, it is worth observing that Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) recently finalized a large tender for the procurement of prepaid meters.