The Hindu : New Delhi News : NDPL joins Intelligent Utility Network

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Thursday, Sep 25, 2008
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NDPL joins Intelligent Utility Network

Staff Reporter

Is aimed at paving way for installation of “smart grid” technologies
NDPL is the first Indian utility to join the IUN coalition

NEW DELHI: Power distribution company North Delhi Power Limited has joined the IBM-led global Intelligent Utility Network coalition of a few select global utilities. The partnership is aimed at paving the way for installation of “smart grid” technologies and business solutions through knowledge-sharing.

NDPL is the first Indian utility to join the IUN coalition, which also includes power utilities in the North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions.

The “smart grid” technology allows the service provider to gauge the exact demand-supply position. “It is a concept that is not benchmarked but it allows us to balance demand and supply. The information flow in this scenario is seamless,” said an NDPL official.

The IUN helps enhance efficiency and reliability of power distribution and increasing the ability of consumers to manage and use energy in a more cost-effective and energy-efficient way.

According to NDPL Chief Executive Officer Sunil Wadhwa, “Intelligent Grid will improve power line grid planning, operations and maintenance.” This in turn will allow the discom to deliver power more efficiently.

“We also expect the technology to contribute to fewer and shorter outages and higher productivity,” he said.

The collaboration will in future allow NDPL to install “Advanced Meter Infrastructure”, which will allow remote management of metering services and automated meter reading with two-way communication with consumers.

“With this system, the consumer will be able to communicate his problems to the discom though the meter itself. The consumer will not be required to make calls to register his complaint. And the discom too will be able to reply to the consumer through the meter,” explained the official.

“The new technology will also enable consumers to better manage their energy use by providing more detailed information about their consumption, indicating when the user curtail their consumption,” he said.

The coalition will also help in creating local capabilities in India which can be leveraged by IBM and NDPL to assist other utilities for transformation through adoption of world class technology and best practices.

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