Category Archives: Transmission and Distribution

Maharashtra Industries fume over govt’s power tariff eyewash

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

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MSEDCL service not so reliable after all

Ritesh: Ajoy Mehta claimed at the recent 3rd Feb 2014 Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industries event, that Maharashtra AT&C losses now only 14% and there was power availability to everyone! The reliability indices published by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution … Continue reading

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Solar is the future for India

My article on Business Insider http://www.businessinsider.in/Solar-Is-The-Future-Of-Renewable-Energy-In-India/articleshow/29543253.cms

Posted in Articles, Commercial, Grid Connected, Micro Grid, Mini Grid, MNRE, Renewables, Residential, Ritesh Pothan, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

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

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Empaneled list of companies for implementation of Mini/Micro Grid Solar PV power plant for rural electrification

SOLAR ENERGY CORPORATION OF INDIA ·New Delhi -110 017  No. SECI/Cont./lnd./49/SMG/2013                                                            Date: 27.12.2013 Sub:      Request for Empanelment (RFE) of companies for implementation of Mini/Micro Grid Solar PV power plant for rural electrification in India – Notification for Empanelment. I. ·Request  … Continue reading

Posted in Micro Grid, Mini Grid, Renewables, Rural Lighting, SECI, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tariff hike alone cannot bail out distribution companies: Care Rating

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

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Gujarat solar developers under cloud of GUVNL appeal on tariff

Aptel notice to Gujarat solar developers on GUVNL’s plea The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (Aptel) has issued notices to 80 Gujarat-based solar project developers in an appeal filed by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL), the state government run utility. GUVNL … Continue reading

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, Gujarat, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Madhya Pradesh Solar energy firms in bad shape

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

Karnataka Govt revises solar, wind power tariffs

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) recently announced a hike in the wind and the solar power tariff. KERC increased the tariff for wind power generation to Rs. 4.20 per unit from Rs. 3.70 after the petitioners told the commission … Continue reading

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

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

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Six Myths About Renewable Energy – The impact on jobs and other assumptions that don’t hold up anymore

Ritesh: This is a US Article, however India has a far higher RE mix with Hydro being a major component and is driving 30%+ of the total energy generated in India. Solar+Hydro are capable of providing almost 100GW today based … Continue reading

Posted in Biomass, Geothermal, Grid Storage, Hydro, Renewables, Solar, Tidal, Transmission and Distribution, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Initiative lights up off-grid villages in Pakistan

Working with local and international partners like Coca-Cola, China Mobile’s Zong, the Imran Khan Foundation and Engro Corporation, Pakistan’s Buksh Foundation has set a goal of illuminating 4,000 off-grid villages by 2017. The village of Chak 113, in Punjab’s Sahiwal … Continue reading

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

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

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German Utilities Hammered in Market Favoring Renewable Energy

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

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Netmetering, LT Connectivity and Renewable Energy Certificate for Tamil Nadu Solar by TNERC – Comments Invited by 15-08-2013

In the Commission’s Order on “Issues related to Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy 2012” dated 07.03.2013, TANGEDCO was directed to furnish detailed procedures covering the following issues related to Net metering , LT connectivity and Renewable Energy Certificates for the … Continue reading

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APTEL sets aside TNERC order on increase in wheeling, transmission charges for Wind Developers

  Wind power generators are allowed to supply any surplus electricity they have during windy months and take back power during non-windy months. In a move that would bring cheer to wind power generators in Tamil Nadu, the Appellate Tribunal … Continue reading

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Gram Power: ‘smart microgrid’ produces, stores renewable energy on location

Twenty-two-year-old Yashraj Khaitan finds it difficult to explain to his parents what exactly he is doing in a remote village in Rajasthan. One year ago, as a fresh graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, Khaitan turned down a job offer from Ericsson, … Continue reading

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Privatise power distribution to tame losses: Montek Singh Ahluwalia

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

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How it works: Solar power towers with integrated storage – the much needed evolution of CSP!

The 110MW Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant, located near the town of Tonopah in the Nevada desert, will be the largest solar tower plant with integrated energy storage facility built to date. But what exactly is it? What does storage … Continue reading

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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.

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

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

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

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Accumulated losses of state power utilities

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

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

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

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Wind gets respite from increased T&W charges as Tribunal sets aside TNERC order on wheeling, transmission charges

Wind power generators are allowed to supply any surplus electricity they have during windy months and take back power during non-windy months. In a move that would bring cheer to wind power generators in Tamil Nadu, the Appellate Tribunal for … Continue reading

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CERC had clarified in 2010 that Solar was to be allowed zero transmission losses for inter state transfers

After a year and half long consultation process, CERC has notified its regulations on ‘Sharing of Inter State Transmission Charges and Losses’. These regulations would implement point of connection method of sharing the cost of inter-state transmission services in India, … Continue reading

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

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

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Omnigrid’s Unique Solar Power Model – Reaching officially electrified and rural villages with no power

OMC’s model of supplying solar lamps to homes and solar power to telecom towers in rural UP looks like a bright idea. But can it keep it shining? Image: Amit Verma Anil Raj (left) and Rohit Chandra’s model goes beyond … Continue reading

Posted in Micro Grid, Off-grid, Renewables, Residential, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

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

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Solar Power Record In Germany — 22.68 GW — Infographic

On Monday, the 15th of April, 2013, the approximate 1.3 million solar power systems in Germany set a new domestic/world record by reaching a peak power output of 22.68 GW at noon. The New Normal This new record is almost … Continue reading

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MSEDCL removes Cross Subsidy discount for Renewable Energy in Maharashtra

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

Why consumers won’t need the power industry any more

Natgrp: India has the dubious yet unique opportunity of bringing solar to the masses who as yet do not have the use of grid energy mechanisms especially in villages and far flung locations. Solar can take care of most of … Continue reading

Posted in Grid Storage, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Power Shortage and Its Impact on the Indian Economy

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

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

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

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India’s Off-grid Renewables Initiative Changing Lives in Ladakh

Ladakh, a remote district of India’s northernmost state, is currently benefiting from the largest off-grid renewable energy project in the world. The Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is spending INR473 billion (US$88.8 million) on decentralized solar and hydro … Continue reading

Posted in Crystalline, Off-grid, PV, Renewables, Rural Lighting, Solar, Thin Film, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Draft CERC T&C for Renewable Energy Certificates (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2013 – suggestions latest by 25th April 2013

No.L‐1/12/2010‐CERC. PUBLIC NOTICE 1. In exercise of powers conferred under section 178 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (the Act), the Commission has made draft Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for recognition and issuance of Renewable Energy Certificate for … Continue reading

Posted in Biomass, CERC, CPV, Crystalline, CSP, Geothermal, Hydro, PV, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Rooftop, Solar, Solar Thermal, Thin Film, Tidal, Transmission and Distribution, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

EPIA: Self-consumption can drive PV storage reducing need to install grid storage and reinforcements

Natgrp: India needs to promote storage at the rooftop levels to grow at a consistent rate and reduce losses / overheads of infrastructure The European PV Industry Association (EPIA) has endorsed the recent European Commission (EC) working paper on PV … Continue reading

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Andhra Pradesh net metering policy released on 25th March 2013

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

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LightSail Gets $5.5 Million For Compressed Air Energy Storage – Is it Cheaper than batteries!

LightSail Energy, a utility-scale energy storage company, has obtained $5.5 million from investors to fund its compressed air energy storage (CAES) project in the second closing of its $37.3 million Round D. LightSail CAES Concept. Image obtained from LightSail Energy. The … Continue reading

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Advanced batteries for utility-scale applications in Asia Pacific to exceed 25GW by 2022

The total installed capacity of advanced batteries for utility-scale applications in Asia Pacific is forecast to reach 25.1GW by 2022, according to a new report by market intelligence firm Pike Research. The report, Energy Storage in Asia Pacific, explains that the … Continue reading

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Regulator asks Delhi Govt. to bail out discoms

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

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

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

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Andhra Pradesh Discoms piling up avoidable losses

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

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

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

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

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

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AP receives lowest solar bid offer of Rs 6.52 per KWhr Unit from Essel Mining

Natgrp: Solar prices of between Rs. 7 – 9 per KWhr here to stay! The bidding process for setting up grid-connected solar power farms in Andhra Pradesh enters a crucial phase with the opening up of the price bids. According … Continue reading

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Metering Protocol for Captive Solar Plants in Andhra Pradesh for REC

  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

President Obama: If Congress won’t act on climate change, I will; Promises to cut energy wastage by half over the next 20 years

President Obama made one of his most aggressive declarations to using market-based means to fight climate change since early on in his first term. President Barack Obama urged Congress to adopt market-based solutions to fight climate change in his State … Continue reading

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Remote Village Electrification for 6033 villages sanctioned and new scheme of “Rural Area Energy Access Programme I” under development

  Remote Village Electrification (RVE) for 6033 villages and hamlets have been sanctioned during the 11th Plan and work on 5211 nos. of villages and hamlets has been completed in various States including Tamil Nadu and Odisha. Two proposals of 61 hamlets and 161 … Continue reading

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Net Metering Debate Rages On in the US Despite Calls For Calm – Discoms dispute the benefits of Net Metering

Net metering is one of the most emotionally charged issues in renewable energy, and now it’s back in the spotlight. A panel discussion at PV America East in Philadelphia last week explored ways that utilities and ratepayers can agree on … Continue reading

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Economic Survey 2013: India suffered peak power shortage of 9%

India witnessed a peak power shortage of 9 per cent during the five years ending 2012 when over 50,000 MW new generation capacity was created, Economic Survey said on Wednesday. “During the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-12), nearly 55,000 MW … Continue reading

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