Mayur Mahajan
Electricity is the most important factor in the economic growth of any country. The most critical segment of Power Sector is the Distribution Sector. Efficient management of the distribution of electricity sector is mandatory as it acts as an interface between the utilities and the consumers. Keeping in mind the importance of requirement for continual up-gradation and creation of infrastructure for electricity distribution, Government of India (ministry of power) has launched the Integrated Power Development Scheme in Varanasi. This scheme focuses on improvement of Transmission & Distribution networks across India. It promises help in reduction of Aggregate Technical and Commercial (At&C) Losses, the establishment of IT-enabled energy accounting/auditing system, improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and improvement in collection efficiency. All electricity distribution companies including private discoms and state power departments are eligible to get financial assistance under it. The grant portion of this scheme is 60% for normal states and 85% for special category states. They can also get 15% additional grant if they do the work within the estimated duration. The estimated cost of the scheme with the components of strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks, including metering of consumers in the urban areas is Rs. 32,612 crore which includes the requirement of budgetary support from Government of India of Rs. 25,354 crore over the entire implementation period
Benefits of Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS):
- Benefits of 24 x7 power supply for consumers in urban area
- Reduction of Aggregate Technical and Commercial (At&C) Losses as per trajectory (discom-wise) finalized by the Ministry of Power in consultation with States
- Providing power supply access to all rural households
- IPDS helps to enhance the economic growth of India
The objectives of Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS):
- Strengthening of the sub-transmission and distribution network in urban areas
- Metering of distribution transformers /feeders/consumers in urban areas
- IT enablement of the distribution sector and strengthening of the distribution network as per the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approval dated June 6, 2013 for completion of targets laid down under the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) for the 12th and 13th Five Year Plans, by carrying forward the approved outlay for RAPDRP to IPDS
- Completion of optical fiber missing links to connect all the 33KV or 66KV grid sub-stations under the establishment of the National Optic Fiber Network
- Establishment of the National Power Data Hub at CEA
- Training and capacity building
- Provision of roof-top solar panels
Eligibility for Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS):
- All electricity distribution companies of India (DISCOMs) including private sector DISCOMS and state power departments eligible for financial assistance under the IPDS scheme
References & details:
- For more details about Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) visit official site: http://www.ipds.gov.in/Form_IPDS/About_IPDS.aspx
