Smart grid

What is a Smart Grid?

“An automated, widely distributed energy delivery network characterized by a two-way flow of electricity and information, capable of monitoring and responding to changes in everything from power plants to customer preferences to individual appliances.”

What are Smart Grid features?

Fully automated power delivery network that monitors and controls electricity flows
two-way flows of electricity and information between the power plant and the appliance, and all points in between
lowered carbon footprint and reduced emissions, increased access to renewable energy resources (like solar and wind)
Use of digital technology(smart digital meters – prepaid meters) to save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability
reduced disruptions, improved efficiency and better asset utilization

What is Smart Grid vision for India?

Smart Grid Features

End of Load Shedding: Peak load shifting through a combination of direct control and differential pricing .
Reliable Power: Robust systems with self-healing capabilities; first step is improved monitoring
Cheaper power: Dramatic improvement in AT&C losses (Aggregate Technical and Commercial Losses) ? knowing where every kWh is going in real-time
More sustainable power: Integration of green and renewable resources at a massive scale ? enough to increase energy independence

GoI (ministry of power) established India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) is a public private partnership (PPP) initiative of Ministry of Power, Government of India for accelerated development of smart g rid technologies in the Indian power sector. The India Smart Grid Task Force under the initiative, which is an inter ministerial group and will serve as government focal point for activities related to SMART GRID. It is undertaking a few smart grid pilot projects in India.

Challenges ahead

The major challenge for implementing smart Grid in India is availability of funds. Huge investments are required in order to setup a link between the customers and the Smart Grid.
To tackle the Smart Grid future, we need to have compelling Smart Grid consumer products, collaborative vendor partnerships and a willing investment community.
With the transition to digital electricity infrastructure comes the challenge of communication security and data management; as digital networks are more prone to malicious attacks from software hackers, security becomes the key issue to be addressed. Terrorist attacks are a cause for global concern in this regard.