Electricity is usually linked to the economic growth of a nation. But what happens when it is unevenly distributed and poorly managed? Today, the poor financial condition of Indian states has resulted in an inefficient distribution of power. The Distribution Sector is the most crucial link in the Power Sector chain, which includes Generation, Transmission, and Distribution. Efficient management of the power distribution sector is required since it links utilities and consumers.

 

Keeping in mind the importance of continuous up-gradation and the creation of better infrastructure for electricity distribution in India, the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) was launched in 2014. Under this scheme, the State governments, with the support of the Central government, will attempt to ensure 24/7 power for all.

 

In this Ministry of Power flagship program, IPDS will focus on strengthening the sub-transmission network, as well as metering, IT applications, customer care services, solar panel provisioning, and the completion of ongoing Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (RAPDRP) works. Under this system, state governments will work with the federal government to ensure that everyone has access to power 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

As per the PTI, India had a massive power deficit of -16.6% in 2007-08. But with the aggressive approach of the government, this deficit has been controlled and reduced over the last 3 years: -4% in 2020–21 and -8% in 2018–19. The main idea behind the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) was to fill in the power infrastructure gaps in urban areas. In addition to these, many other schemes were launched with the aim of bringing electricity to every household and increasing connections to 2.8 crore households.

 

Objectives of the Integrated Power Development Scheme

 

1. Improvements to the urban sub-transmission and distribution networks

 

In some states, the current power transmission and distribution network is in shambles and requires a comprehensive overhaul. In other regions, the network is damaged, degraded, or aging, and it is not operating at peak efficiency. It is critical to reinforce the current system in place in order to reduce the country's average power losses.

 

2. Metering distribution transformers, feeders, and consumers in cities

 

In addition, there have been several reports of people tampering with power meters across the country. In fact, consumption is not being tracked in many regions, and readings are inconsistent everywhere. Putting in place a dependable system with accurate metering and readings of user consumption is critical.

 

3. Distribution sector IT enablement and distribution network strengthening

 

At a time when the government's inbound and outbound services are being digitized through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-enabled services, it is critical that the power sector's operations be computerized as well. This will make tracking the distribution and consumption trends of the country's power production easier.

 

To help meet the increased demand for power, the Government of India would offer financial support of Rs. 45,800 crore throughout the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) implementation term. Here are some of the features included in the project:

 

Features of the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)

 

• In Varanasi, overhead electrical lines will be changed to underground cabling, particularly near the ghats and temples.

• Electric assets at substations, lines, and distribution transformers will be updated, as will capacity augmentation and the renewal of existing substations.

• Solar panels on the roofs of government buildings will be erected.

• IPDS will aid in the reduction of AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses.

• An IT-enabled energy accounting and auditing system will be used.

• End-to-end metering to assure accurate accounting, billing, and load management

 

The Benefits of the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)

 

• The strategy is projected to dramatically reduce AT&C's present losses. The precise reduction in losses will depend on factors such as the magnitude and size of the state distribution network, existing infrastructure, and the type of projects carried out under the program in the context of the individual distribution networks.
• By the end of the plan, there will also be substantial IT-enabled software support for electricity generation and distribution firms, as well as customers. This will allow for more accurate tracking and auditing of power generation and consumption figures. Together, improved distribution networks and IT-enabled system support will keep a lid on technical and commercial power loss, making state power cooperatives profitable.
• The reduction in power thefts will improve revenue for power companies by lowering taxes and easing the load on India's honest residents.
• The reduction in technical power loss will improve the amount of electricity available for consumption, thereby alleviating many states' power problems.
• The project is an attempt to change the focus of the power sector away from scaling up new production units (and burning vast amounts of coal) and towards capturing the losses of existing power and driving it to consumers in order to make India a power surplus nation.

To Conclude,

 

The Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) is a step towards a brighter future that will contribute to India's economic progress. Since electricity is critical for the nation's overall growth, the Union Government's launch of this scheme is all set to bring India to a better place.

 

If you are looking to make the most of this government scheme and are looking for anything that strengthens the power system in your area or anywhere, you need the best electricity management solution.

 

For example, a smart power meter automatically reads your residential, business, or industrial electricity usage and wirelessly transmits the data to your energy provider. Furthermore, some meters allow you to analyze your energy usage trends during both peak and off-peak hours, allowing you to estimate your future usage and, as a result, cut your electricity bills correspondingly; no action is necessary.

 

A single-phase electric meter also contains an in-home display, which allows customers to see how much energy they are using and how much it will cost.

 

Light house IOT Solutions provides the best smart power meters. With proven capabilities in technology, design, and production, we provide premium electric products at affordable prices. For more details on them, contact us today!