CII Energy Department’s Post

Catch our MD, Rajiv Mishra, at the CII Smart Metering conference tomorrow, where he will join other experts in discussing the adoption of smart meters in India and their pivotal role in achieving energy transition goals. More details below. #ApraavaEnergy #EnergyInAction

Smart meters can benefit society in many ways, including: Environmental benefits Smart meters provide real-time data on energy consumption, which can help users become more aware of their energy use and reduce their overall consumption. This can lead to a smaller carbon footprint and fewer carbon emissions. Smart meters can also help reduce the need to build new power plants, which are expensive and can have high greenhouse gas emissions. Cost savings Smart meters can help businesses identify areas of excess consumption and inefficiencies, which can lead to cost savings. Improved efficiency Smart meters can help improve efficiency by providing accurate measurements and better planning and forecasting. Faster power outage restoration Smart meters can help utilities restore power outages faster and more efficiently by allowing them to know exactly when and where power goes out. Remote service disconnection Smart meters can also allow utilities to remotely disconnect service from customers who don't pay. New pricing and load management programs Smart meters can make it easier for utilities to implement new pricing and load management programs, such as time-of-use (TOU) rate programs to encourage off-peak usage. As of December 31, 2023, the Ministry of Power (MoP) had approved around Rs24,000 crores in GBS. The smart metering market in India is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with strong interest from both manufacturers and power companies. The market size is projected to reach USD 2,823 million by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 33.3% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by several factors, including: Government push towards grid modernization and energy efficiency, Smart Meter National Program (SMNP), and Domestic manufacturing. Meters get smart in India! India's smart metering market holds immense promise for transforming the power sector. improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing consumer experiences. With government support and robust payment mechanisms in place, smart metering projects are poised to drive sustainable growth and usher in a new era of power distribution in the country. By leveraging smart metering technology, India can pave the way for a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy future.

All about the smart grid: Part IV Unlike their one-way counterparts, smart grids are built on a foundation of real-time data exchange. This two-way communication happens between various components of the grid, including: Smart meters: These intelligent meters track energy consumption in homes and businesses, sending usage data back to utilities. Sensors: Deployed throughout the grid, sensors monitor conditions like voltage fluctuations and equipment health, providing valuable insights for grid management. Control centers: These centers analyze the collected data and use it to make informed decisions about power generation and distribution. This two-way dialogue between grid components unlocks a range of advantages including but not limited to: Improved grid efficiency: Real-time data allows utilities to pinpoint areas of high energy consumption and optimize power delivery. This reduces wasted energy and improves grid stability. Better integration of RES: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are variable in nature. Two-way communication helps integrate these renewables by forecasting power generation and adjusting production from other sources to balance the grid. Empowered customers: Smart meters provide consumers with real-time information on their energy usage. This allows them to make informed choices about their consumption habits and participate in demand response programs, where they adjust their energy use during peak hours in exchange for incentives. Faster outage response: Sensors can detect power outages and pinpoint their location quickly. This allows for faster repairs and minimizes disruption to consumers. Despite these benefits, two-way communication poses a lot of risks which will discuss in the next article. Stay around and stay curious!

The operations of power distribution utilities are expected to undergo significant changes in the next few years. New customer requirements and changes to the energy system will expedite the need for new business models for future utilities. Discoms will be preparing for higher load growth, rising green energy in the grid, roll-out of rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs), network strengthening, consumer engagement, and greater competition in supply over the next few years. A big focus area is expected to be smart metering, driven by the government’s flagship Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) programme, under which around 250 million meters are expected to be deployed. Deployments have reached a significant momentum, with over 12.9 million smart consumer meters installed in the country so far (as of August 6). Notably, close to 4.8 million smart meters were installed in FY2024, a huge jump from the pace of the deployment in the previous year (1.5 million smart meters). Significant focus is also being laid on improving the financial and operational health of discoms under the RDSS programme, which has set a target of bringing AT&C losses to the pan-India levels of 12-15 per cent and reducing the ACS-ARR gap to zero. As a key indicator of the ongoing positive transformation, discoms have shown a drastic reduction in AT&C losses (15.37 per cent in FY2023 compared to 21.9 per cent in FY2021) and recovery in outstanding dues. Work is being undertaken with the support of RDSS to ensure that the losses remain within acceptable limits. The shift to newer and advanced grid technologies is also expected to accelerate in the coming years. Discoms are investing in AI-based applications, predictive analytics, GIS mapping, drone monitoring, data analytics, digital twins, etc., to implement advanced solutions that leverage data to make decision making insightful, fast and more accurate. While new technologies are expected to ensure network reliability for 24x7 power supply to end consumers, managing different technologies and their integration brings risks too. As with most industries, the frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks are increasing. As the connectivity of operational devices surge, utilities will need to keep pace with potential vulnerabilities

An example of the energy transition is the transition from local local local to local local micro grid when describing a desirable place to live.

A chat this morning with Google bard. “For smart meters, what are the potential use cases, relate to cost benefit analysis. Also, Design an aircon system that increases the duty cycle when solar photovoltaic production is in excess.” Smart Meter Use Cases with Cost-Benefit Analysis: 1. Improved Billing and Customer Engagement: Cost: Smart meter implementation cost, data management infrastructure. Benefit: Automated meter reading eliminates manual effort and human error, reducing billing costs and improving accuracy. Customers receive real-time usage data, fostering engagement and encouraging energy-saving behavior. 2. Demand-Side Management (DSM): Cost: Infrastructure upgrades for communication and control systems. Benefit: Utilities can offer time-varying tariffs or automated load control programs to incentivize off-peak usage. This reduces peak demand and infrastructure investment while lowering overall costs. 3. Leak Detection: Cost: Advanced smart meters with leak detection capabilities. Benefit: Early detection of leaks minimizes water and gas loss, saving costs for both utilities and customers. It can also prevent property damage and safety hazards. 4. Grid Optimization and Maintenance: Cost: Advanced smart meters and data analytics tools. Benefit: Real-time data allows utilities to identify grid inefficiencies, optimize power distribution, and predict maintenance needs. This improves grid reliability, reduces outages, and minimizes maintenance costs. 5. Integration with Renewables: Cost: Smart meters integrated with renewable energy sources like solar panels. Benefit: Enables programs like net metering and feed-in tariffs, encouraging renewable energy adoption and grid stability. Aircon System with Solar Integration: Here's a design for an air conditioning (AC) system that increases its duty cycle when solar photovoltaic (PV) production is in excess: Smart meter: Installed to communicate real-time solar power generation data. Smart controller: Analyzes energy consumption and solar generation data. AC unit: Equipped with variable frequency drive (VFD) for adjusting power demand. Operation: The smart meter continuously monitors solar PV power generation. The smart controller receives data from both the meter and the AC unit. When solar generation exceeds house consumption, the controller calculates available excess power. Based on the excess power and desired comfort level, the controller adjusts the AC VFD to increase cooling capacity, effectively utilizing the excess solar energy.

In addition, current Indian power grid infrastructure is dealing with high Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, drastically cutting utilities finances, and limiting their ability to invest in critical infrastructure. As the growth of renewables is also linked to the health of Distribution Companies, the reduction of DISCOMs’ technical and commercial losses through appropriate billing and improving collection efficiency will be critical. A challenge to take up Given its rapidly developing energy market and national policies oriented towards grid digitalization, India is an ideal entry point for businesses offering advanced technologies in the smart grid sector, such as Gridspertise, the company founded by the Enel Group in 2021 to offer cutting-edge solutions in the field of electricity grid digitalization to all DISCOMs. Gridspertise leverages Enel Groups’ legacy in operating distribution networks and extended experience in the installation of smart meters around the world, boasting substantial experience regarding smart grids. Building on this heritage, Gridspertise today is headquartered in Italy, with local offices in Spain, Brasil, the US and India, and delivers its technologies based on a significant intellectual property portfolio of field-proven solutions to dozens of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) of different sizes and in different geographies. Revenue Protection Gridspertise offers innovative Meter-as-a-service solutions to partner with DISCOMs in India by a highly evolved Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, using an ecosystem of networked meters, communication networks, data collection and management systems. AMI application uses consumer data to provide cost-saving opportunities for the utility. The solution reduces non-technical losses by recognizing consumption patterns, event sequences, and energy diversion. Meter Data Management System (MDMS) provides billing ready data, for every read, from every meter, every day. This ensures accurate billing on and off cycle each-and-every day.

Transforming Utilities: The Evolution of Smart Metering In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by advanced technologies. At Earthview Management Limited, we are at the forefront of this revolution, particularly in smart metering solutions, where innovation meets efficiency to shape the future of utilities. Advancing Technology in Smart Metering Smart meters represent a pivotal advancement in how utilities monitor, manage, and optimize energy consumption. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters provide real-time data on usage patterns, enabling both consumers and providers to make informed decisions about energy efficiency and conservation. This technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also empowers consumers to actively participate in managing their energy consumption, ultimately leading to cost savings and environmental benefits. Earthview Management Limited: Your Partner in Smart Meter Solutions At Earthview Management Limited, we specialize in deploying cutting-edge smart metering solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of utilities and consumers alike. Our expertise lies in integrating advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems that seamlessly capture and transmit data, ensuring reliability and accuracy in energy monitoring. Why Invest in Smart Metering? Investing in smart metering is more than just adopting new technology; it’s about future-proofing utilities for sustainable growth. By leveraging smart meters, utilities can: Enhance Operational Efficiency: Streamline operations through automated data collection and analytics. Empower Consumers: Provide real-time insights to consumers, fostering informed decision-making and energy conservation. Drive Sustainability: Reduce carbon footprints by optimizing energy usage and promoting renewable energy integration. Partner with Us Whether you are a utility provider looking to upgrade your infrastructure or an investor seeking opportunities in the burgeoning smart metering sector, Earthview Management Limited is your trusted partner. We offer comprehensive consultation and implementation services to ensure a smooth transition to smart metering solutions. Get in Touch To learn more about how Earthview Management Limited can assist you in harnessing the power of smart metering technology, reach out to us today. Together, let’s pave the way for a sustainable and efficient future. #InvestingInWater #SmartMeters #SmartMeteringSolutions #EnergyEfficiency #Sustainability #UtilityInnovation

"In the C&I world, an emerging way of controlling load is flexible interconnection – allowing newly interconnected loads access to more power when the distribution grid is underutilized and reducing power draws when it is near capacity. But flexible interconnection 1.0 is often times a blunt instrument, for instance reducing capacity every day at a specific time when grid stress may occur regardless of actual grid status. That’s not terrible, it’s better than being denied interconnection which is the other option. However, grid edge intelligence, visibility, and communication could allow for much more efficient approaches – for example sending customers with a flexible interconnection instructions to curtail load when the grid is stressed."

DATE CENTER METERING Data centers constitute a large and growing sector of energy uses. By one estimate, Indian data centers consumed 565MW in 2022 and expected to increase by 3 times till 2025, This expansion capacity is expected to involve investments of over $10 Bn. As data consumption continues to grow in India, the need for more data centers is evident. Data centers require immense amounts of electricity to power, cool and operate the facility. Power represents up to 70% of a data center’s total operating costs. An accurate understanding of power utilization and environmental conditions is essential to improving energy efficiency, lowering costs, and ensuring high availability. Power monitoring and management are crucial aspects of data center management. Data centers are energy-intensive facilities that house and manage servers and other technology, and proper power management is essential for optimizing the performance and efficiency of these centers.  Meters provide data that offers insight into the operation of the data center infrastructure (i.e. power and cooling systems) within a data center. Specific types of meters exist for various reasons, from tracking the use of electricity to analysing the power quality in a facility and reporting problems such as transients and harmonics to measuring the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of the data center. Power Usage Effectiveness, or PUE, is a measure of how efficiently a computer data center infrastructure uses energy. Specifically, it is the ratio of total energy use to that of information technology (IT) equipment.   PUE= (Total facility Annual Enegy Uses)/(Annual Energy Uses by IT equipment) The average PUE for data centers globally was 1.58 for 2003 which is slightly higher compare to 2022. Newly built data enters have PUEs of 1.3 or better, all this can be achieved by good uses of electricity for which need a metering at various points Socomec a world leader with innovative technology to provide complete solution of energy management from basic to PQM metering range.  which can be utilise at different points of data center. The Socomec DIRIS Digiware system is a hub of technological innovations that has revolutionised the world of power monitoring - bringing a high degree of flexibility to installations and making connection and configuration easier than ever before.