Category Archives: DISCOM

Citigroup says the ‘Age of Renewables’ has begun

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Investment banking giant Citigroup has hailed the start of the “age of renewables” in the United States, the world’s biggest electricity market, saying that solar and wind energy are getting competitive with natural gas peaking and baseload plants – even … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, Coal, DISCOM, Grid Connected, Hydro, Low Carbon Emission, Nuclear, Off-grid, Power Generation, Renewables, Solar, Tidal, Transmission and Distribution, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gujarat imposes ban on power sourcing from other states

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Narendra Modi-led Gujarat government has banned state-based companies from sourcing electricity from other states, a move that will compel them to buy costlier power from government-run utilities. The decision, ahead of the general elections beginning next month, will affect companies … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Grid Connected, Gujarat, Power Generation, Renewables, Solar, Transmission and Distribution, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

THE ECONOMICS OF GRID DEFECTION – WHEN AND WHERE DISTRIBUTED SOLAR GENERATION PLUS STORAGE COMPETES WITH TRADITIONAL UTILITY SERVICE – A report

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Distributed electricity generation, especially solar PV, is rapidly spreading and getting much cheaper. Distributed electricity storage is doing the same, thanks largely to mass production of batteries for electric vehicles. Solar power is already starting to erode some utilities’ sales … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Renewables, Reports, Residential, Rooftop, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MPPMCL – MP POWER MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED Solar Power winners at and below Rs. 6.97 per KWh

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

MPPMCL declares the price bids and successful bidders are those who quoted Rs. 6.97/- per KWh and below for a total of 100MW Sr. No. Company No. of Generatio n Source Total Capacity Offered (MW) Quoted Tariff Rs./unit 1 Emami … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, PV, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has published the Draft Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems) Regulations, 2014

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has published the Draft Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems) Regulations, 2014. Stake holders including public are requested to … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, KSERC, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Solar | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

MP Power Management Company Ltd. (MPPMCL) Solar Power Bids extended to 17th Feb

Posted on February 14, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

MP POWER MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED (A GOVT. of MP undertaking) BLOCK No. 11 First Floor, SHAKTI BHAWAN, RAMPUR, JABALPUR (M.P.) – 482008 Tele/Fax-(0761)2667511,2702402,2702524 Email- rmehta@mptradeco.com Covering Letter-FinalRFP-PPA Final-PPA-02-Feb- 2014_Version1-1 Final-RFP-02-Feb- 2014_Version1-2 Date: 28.11.2013 No: 07-11/IPC/2013-14/Solar Power/1445 NOTICE INVITING TENDER The … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, PV, Renewables, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Industries seek audits of Maharashtra power companies MSEDCL and MSPGCL

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

NASHIK: A state-level coordination committee of industrial associations and power consumers on Monday urged the state government for performance and energy audits of its power companies — Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd (MSPGCL) and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Maharashtra, MERC, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Maharashtra Industries fume over govt’s power tariff eyewash

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Industrialists in Maharashtra are infuriated over state government pulling a fast one on them as regards to reduction in power tariff. The government announced that it has reduced the power tariff by 20% but it was just an eyewash. In … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Maharashtra, MSEDCL, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Sell 6 MW to MSEDCL for sugar tax relief – A step to promote renewable energy

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Maharashtra State energy ministry has announced the norms to be followed by sugar factories for getting exemption from sugar purchase tax. These are applicable to the sugar factories that have cogeneration power plants and have been framed with an aim … Continue reading →

Posted in Cogeneration, DISCOM, Maharashtra, Power Generation, Renewables | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has invited suggestions and feedback from stakeholders on a proposal to introduce net metering for rooftop solar power generation

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has invited suggestions and feedback from stakeholders on a proposal to introduce net metering for rooftop solar power generation as per guidelines laid down by the ministry of new and renewable energy. The commission claims that, … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Grid Connected, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Solar, Subsidy | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Maharashtra distributor’s ‘subsidized’ power tariff already on par with BEST’s

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Power consumers in the island city-from Colaba / Cuffe Parade to Mahim / Sion-already receive electricity at a 20% lower price than the rest of Maharashtra. In fact, after the state government announcement on power subsidy for MSEDCL consumers on … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

APTEL drops Tamil Nadu’s solar rider

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Ritesh: Another large nail in the coffin for Solar in India. Business interests taking pre-eminence over actual solutions. Wind power is no guarantee of power and TN will continue to suffer power cuts those months of the year that wind … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, DISCOM, Grid Connected, Industrial, Power Generation, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Tamil Nadu | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tata Power gets approval to postpone solar target until 2016

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission allows Tata Power to postpone solar targets till 2016 Tata Power has been unable since 2010 to source enough solar power to meet government renewable mandates because of a shortage of sun-based generation in the country. … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Grid Connected, Maharashtra, MERC, PV, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tariff hike alone cannot bail out distribution companies: Care Rating

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Structural improvements and financial discipline are far more crucial for improving the health of distribution companies than depending on tariff hikes, rating agency Care Rating has said. According to a report by Care, which analysed 30 discoms in 11 states, … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Madhya Pradesh Solar energy firms in bad shape

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Solar energy firms in Madhya Pradesh are in bad state as three state-owned distribution companies (discoms) are buying meager power from them. According to sources in the industry,  discoms and firms had inked a pact that the deficit would be … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, DISCOM, Grid Connected, Renewables, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

How to lose half a trillion euros – Europe’s electricity providers face an existential threat

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Ritesh: This a scenario that we should see in India in the foreseeable future and if our DISCOMs aren’t geared up will face a fate similar to those in Europe and in the near future, USA. Our policy makers need to … Continue reading →

Posted in Coal, DISCOM, Power Generation, Renewables, Solar, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Study on the sustainability of Biomass based power generation in Karnataka TERI – 2013

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Biomass is a renewable resource and estimated to be surplus across the country. It has been identified as a potential source for power generation. Biomass is derived from the by-products of various resources like agricultural crops such as paddy, corn and sugarcane, wood … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, DISCOM, Power Generation, Renewables, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Next steps for the Indian Power Industry – The need to evolve

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

This article written by Ritesh Pothan was published in the July / August edition of Infraline Magazine Our nation has the good fortune of coming into its own at the time when solar is gaining increasing acceptability both as a … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

APTRANSCO makes open offer to Solar Developers for Rs. 6.49 per unit for 20 years valid upto 30th Sept 2013

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Click Below for the documents APTRANSCO guidelines APTRANSCO format for processing security APTRANSCO list-of-substations APTRANSCO power-purchase-agreement APTRANSCO format-for-performance-guarantee Guidelines for Solar Power developers to apply Under Open Offer i.        The  Prospective  Solar  developers  are  requested  to  submit  their Application to Chief Engineer/IPC/APPCC/Vidyut Soudha/Hyderabad along with the … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Grid Connected, Renewables, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

German Utilities Hammered in Market Favoring Renewable Energy

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Indian Discoms will follow once Solar gains significant traction and fear renewables for the right reasons. Lets endeavour to make Solar a reality everywhere Dusseldorf, Germany — Germany, Europe’s biggest electricity market, is beating up its traditional utilities. RWE AG and … Continue reading →

Posted in Coal, DISCOM, Grid Connected, Renewables, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Grid parity and how will it impact the projects on pipeline, Implementation of JNNSM Phase I & Experience So far

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Click the link ‘Natural Group_Presentation at Solar Business in India 2013 on Grid parity and how will it impact the projects on pipeline, Implementation of JNNSM Phase I with Experience So far‘  for my presentation at Solar Business in India, … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, DISCOM, Grid Connected, PV, Residential, Rooftop, Solar, Solar Thermal | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The current state of Tamil Nadu with possible answers to the current power crisis – My presentation on Understanding the implications of the ‘Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy’ to devise cost-effective and profitable strategies

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

TN Current State and Devising strategies to comply with SPO My presentation in Coimbatore covered the following points below amongst others Understanding the implications of the ‘Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy’ to devise cost-effective and profitable strategies to comply with … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Grid Connected, Renewables, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Privatise power distribution to tame losses: Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Echoing the public sentiment as well as our continued focus on privatization of Discoms Pitching for privatisation in the power distribution sector, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia today suggested it can help in reducing huge losses and half of this business should be … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

TN’s power utility rated worst among 4 southern states – And thats saying something. Raising debt for the 690 MW allocated will be a tough job for developers.

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Tamil Nadu has the worst performing power utility among the four southern states. The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company (Tangedco) has been rated below average in both operations and financial performance among various power utilities in the country as … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Discom restructure kicked off with 8 States in April 2013, Rs 1.60 lakh cr in bad debt

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Under the Centre’s package, half of the losses would be taken up by the States, which would issue long-term bonds in phases. For the remaining losses, the distribution companies would get a three-year moratorium on principal payment. The financial re-structuring programme … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Accumulated losses of state power utilities

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

HANDLING POWER Accumulated losses of state power utilities States SEB /Discom losses (Rs cr) States SEB /Discom losses (Rs cr) Accumulated 2010-11 Accumulated 2010-11 J&K NA 1,892 Kerala 6,865 1,934 Mizoram NA 115 Bihar 5,821 NA Manipur NA 56 West … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Determination of Tariff for Generation and Distribution – TAMIL NADU ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

TAMIL NADU ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (Constituted under section 82 (1) of Electricity Act 2003) (Central Act 36 of 2003) PRESENT : Thiru. K.Venugopal – Member  and Thiru. S.Nagalsamy – Member T.P. No. 1 of 2013 Date of Order: 20-06-2013 In the matter … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

All India Generation vs Delivered – 99 GW* / 99,000 MW* (40%) of power is wasted every second

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

All India power generation as on April 2013 is 224 GW Whereas the actual consumption is just 125 GW 224 GW – 125 GW = ~99 GW* is lost in Generation, Transmission and Distribution Click here for the April 2013 Generation … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Find out what its going to take to make Solar Power in India a success both on grid and off

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (Solar RECs) – Today and the way ahead for Solar Power was the title of my presentation at InfralineEnergy’s 2nd Annual Conference on Solar Power – Future Possibilities held on May 28, 2013 at The Lalit, New … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, PV, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Solar panels could destroy U.S. utilities, according to U.S. utilities

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Where have I heard this before, Discoms want to be inefficient and squander our Nations  wealth chasing after generating and transmission technologies that are now out of date. Its time to wake up! This article enforces the point that Discoms … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

MSEDCL removes Cross Subsidy discount for Renewable Energy in Maharashtra

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: In a blow to open access in electricity for Maharashtra, MSEDCL has now implemented the highest tariffs for commercial consumers.  Applicable  CSS for  Open  Access (OA)  Consumers  of  MSEDCL effective   from  21st February 2013  :- A.  CSS for HT … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, CSP, DISCOM, Maharashtra, PV, Renewables, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Power Shortage and Its Impact on the Indian Economy

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The power supply position of the country remains grim even in the first year of 12th Five year plan 2012-2017 in spite of massive 55000 MW capacity addition in the 11th plan against meagre capacity addition of 21000 MW in … Continue reading →

Posted in Coal, DISCOM, Renewables, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Central Electricity Authority Load Generation Balance Report 2012-13 – A Must Read

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Read the complete report here The annual Load Generation Balance Report (LGBR) for the year 2012-13 is the thirty first publication in the series brought out by CEA. The Report covers the month-wise anticipated energy requirement and availability (in MU) … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mixed Greens: EU talks climate targets as global fossil subsidies hit $2tn for oil, natural gas, coal and electricity production

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The European Union has proposed a new package of carbon and renewable energy targets for 2030 that could see the introduction of a 40 per cent carbon reduction target, as well as a 30 per cent share target for renewable … Continue reading →

Posted in Coal, DISCOM | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Madhya Pradesh announces the highest Wind Tariff in India at Rs. 5.92/- per KWhr

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Given the low yields of wind power in the state, Madhya Pradesh has gone ahead and announced the highest Wind Tariff of Rs. 5.92/- per KWhr which is sure to boost the renewable energy portfolio of the state. In recent … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, News, Renewables, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Andhra Pradesh net metering policy released on 25th March 2013

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Solar power policy pressnote. The Government announced its policy for encouraging solar power production in the State. A GO MS NO 22 to this effect has been issued on Monday. Keeping in view the good potential for harnessing solar power, … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, DISCOM, Solar, Solar Policy, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Regulator asks Delhi Govt. to bail out discoms

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Taking the first steps towards resolving the liquidity crisis of the city’s three discoms, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has sent a ‘statutory advice’ to the Delhi Government, asking it to pitch in with financial help and urge the … Continue reading →

Posted in CERC, DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Faulty’ power policies widening demand-supply gap, states former Union Energy Secretary E.A.S. Sarma

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The growing gap between supply and demand in the power sector is due to the power policies of the government that are formulated to suit private players such as Reliance, former Union Energy Secretary E.A.S. Sarma has observed. Earlier, the … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Andhra Pradesh Discoms piling up avoidable losses

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Issues are similar across most Discoms in the country Improvement in energy efficiency could save the day for the state, said retired divisional engineer of APEPDCL, R V Ramana Rao, adding that inefficient transformers and capacitor banks were causing … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Delhi Discoms want power tariff hiked from April upto a maximum of 13%

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

February was a chance to register views on the petitions filed by the three discoms for a tariff hike in the next financial year. Of the three discoms, BYPL (that supplies to east and central Delhi) has sought the maximum … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Discoms in Andhra Pradesh reeling under huge power deficit with power cuts ranging from 2 to 8 hours since March 1

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Andhra has a shortage of 70 Million KWhr Units per day expected to increase to 80+ Million KWhr Units in the summer. Almost 17000 MWp of Solar PV required to plug this deficit just in the state of Andhra … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Metering Protocol for Captive Solar Plants in Andhra Pradesh for REC

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

  The Government of Andhra Pradesh has announced Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Policy-2012 to encourage large scale solar power generation in the State vide G.O.Ms.No.39, dated 26.09.2012 & G.O.Ms. No. 44, dated 16.11.2012. As such, APTRANSCO / APDISCOMs have proposed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, DISCOM, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tamil Nadu Solar Bids out, lowest below Rs. 6 per KWh

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Source: EQ Mag

Posted in Crystalline, DISCOM, News, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Tamil Nadu | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

More reforms needed to tackle Tamil Nadu power crisis

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Since J Jayalalithaa came to power in Tamil Nadu a year-and-a-half ago, she has sought to manage the grave power crisis in the state by increasing tariffs, launching new projects, unveiling an ambitious solar policy and approving the bailout of the state … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Renewables, Tamil Nadu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Loss-making discoms a drag on states’ finances, says RBI: Power Ministry has to act now

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

    The RBI on 10th Jan 2013 said loss-making power distribution companies continue to impact financials of states and cautioned against their restructured debt liabilities turning into non-performing assets for the state governments. Pitching for periodic tariff revisions, the central bank … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Govt clears bailout for state electricity distribution firms: Another hasty quickfix promoting inefficiency, not a long term solution

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Ritesh Pothan

The Indian government on Monday approved an ambitious plan to bail out beleaguered state electricity distribution companies, or discoms, through a restructuring of their short-term loans. The electricity distribution firms owned by the state governments are finding it difficult to … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments