Govt looking at ways to reduce smart grid tech costs

Various options are being studied to reduce the cost of smart grid technologies, which will help in bringing down overall transmission and distribution losses in the power sector, a Planning Commission member said today.
Smart grid technologies would help in ensuring efficient power system and pilot projects in this regard have already been identified by the government.
Planning Commission Member B K Chaturvedi said that an exercise is underway to reduce the cost of smart grid technologies.
High capital and operating costs are among the major challenges in implementing smart grid technologies in the power sector.
"There is an eminent need to develop smart meters to meet the challenges of power theft," Chaturvedi said and added that the losses related to transmission and distribution of electricity should be reduced.

He was speaking at a conference on smart grids organised by industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.
Fourteen smart grid pilot projects have been shortlisted by the Power Ministry for funding.
Going by estimates, India's Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses are more than 20 per cent, among one of the highest in the world.