Special Stories
Major power distribution reforms on the cards
Union power minister, R.K. Singh, was the chief guest at the mega event ELECRAMA 2020 that was held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, during January 18-22, 2020. In his inaugural address, Singh discussed overall trends in the power sector, particularly highlighting concerns in the power distribution segment. The minister asserted that the government was working towards an early resolution of the problems faced by distribution utilities, and was confident that the new wave of reforms, proposed to be initiated soon, will make power distribution commercially viable and even profitable. This special story is based on R.K. Singh’s address.
Pursuing the distribution licensee model
- Feb 2, 2020
In a very significant recent development, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) awarded the letter of intent to Tata Power as the successful bidder to own the licence for the distribution and retail supply of electricity in Odisha’s five circles, together constituting Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha (CESU).
Power T&D: New thinking, new frontiers
- Sep 17, 2019
Apex industry body IEEMA (India Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association) recently held its Annual Convention 2019 in Mumbai, on September 17, 2019. The event, themed “Transformative Reforms,” saw the confluence of path breaking ideas coming from an erudite set of speakers and panelists. This story is based on insights gained during individual presentations and the panel discussion.
TBCB-based Green Energy Corridor projects taking off
- Sep 15, 2019
Power transmission projects, structured on the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism and associated with large-scale evacuation of renewable energy, are seen to be taking off, after a sustained period of lull, recent developments suggest.
Mega transmission projects see slowdown in FY19
- Jul 15, 2019
Large power transmission projects being developed under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route appear to be progressing very slowly. During FY19, not a single new project was awarded. This inference is based on an analysis done by T&D India, using data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
Consolidation phase for private power transmission
- May 18, 2019
Independent power transmission line concessions, both at the regional and state level, are witnessing a phase of consolidation, notes Venugopal Pillai, in this special study.
Reforming power distribution
- Apr 8, 2019
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.
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.