Event
The 6th edition of the Distribution Utility Meet, organized by the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), provided a platform for distribution companies to share their experiences in implementing new and emerging technologies for grid modernization and energy transition.
The event took place in the state of Odisha, the first one in India to have undertaken reforms and restructuring in the power sector, way back in the 1990s. Between 2020 and 2021, the privatisation of power distribution companies in Odisha has brought about a quick transformation. The concept behind the event is to allow distribution companies to learn from each other, while also bringing global expertise to India. Experts from leading utilities from USA, Europe and Japan were invited to present their experience with automation, grid modernization and digitalization towards a Net Zero power sector.
Where and when did it take place?
The event took place at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Bhubaneswar, in the state of Odisha (India), on 17th and 18th November 2022.
The Conference
Gridspertise was a Thematic Session Partner. In particular, our VP - Head Business Development, India, Rahul Chandra, took part in the session “Ami rollout plans and challenges for DISCOMs (Distribution companies)” on the afternoon of 17 November.
After an overview of Enel’s and Gridpsertise’s experiences and success stories on smart metering and smart grids, Chandra outlined the company’s vision for the deployment of smart meters in India, which is going to be one of the largest such projects in the world., eventually reaching every household in the country.
He touched on key factors for the success of the project, from an early involvement of all interested stakeholders to customer awareness and communication, from adopting a “circularity by design” approach for the manufacturing the devices, to capacity building in India through training of specialized technicians and rigorous health and safety standards for field operators.