BACKGROUNDS : SMARTY GRID
The electrical grid has been cited as the greatest engineering achievement of the 20th century, but it now faces new challenges of sustainability, energy security, reliability, etc. Developed countries have a well-developed grid, and seek to improve it, while developing regions are still expanding their grids.
Over the past decade, the electricity generation, transmission and distribution landscape around the globe has changed drastically – in the traditional grid of the 20th century there were relatively few points of power generation or injection and millions of points of power consumption. With rapid proliferation of distributed and renewable generation, the 21st century grid will have numerous points of power injection as well as millions of points of consumption. Electric Vehicle (EV) roll out has further increased the complexity of the traditional electricity grid. To manage a grid with such increasing number of intermittent energy sources and EVs, smarter automation and IT systems are imperative. Peak load management through control of loads (such as through demand response, which can be considered a dynamic form of Demand Side Management, or DSM) has assumed high priority for electric utilities as there is a growing peak demand, leading to a supply gap during peak hours of consumption in many parts of the world. Beyond such drivers, increased deregulation, consumer choice for green power, which is inherently variable, and many more factors are giving thrust for the transition to smarter grids that can address all these issues.
A smart grid is an electrical grid with automation, communication and IT systems that can monitor power flows from points of generation to points of consumption (even down to the appliances level) and control the power flow or curtail the load to match generation in real time or near realtime. The increased visibility, predictability, and even control of generation and demand bring flexibility to both generation and consumption and enable the utility to better integrate intermittent renewable generation and also reduce costs of peak power. If the traditional grid was made secure only through over-engineering, a smart grid is cost-effective, nimble, responsive, and better engineered for reliability and self-healing operations.
The traditional electric grid will need to build additional layers of automation, communication and IT systems to transform it to a smarter grid. Some of the applications or building blocks of a smart grid (some of which are already being deployed worldwide, including in India), are:
*Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) with Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Distribution Management Systems (DMS)
* Enterprise IT network covering all substations and field offices with reliable communication systems
*Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/Asset Management Systems
*Modernization of the substations with modern switch gear and numerical relays
*Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with two way communication and Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS)
*Electronic Billing Systems and Customer Care Systems
*Distribution Automation (DA) and Substation Automation Systems
*Outage Management Systems (OMS)
*Mobile Crew Management Systems
*Wide Area Measurement and Control Systems
*Forecasting, Dispatch and Settlement Tools
*Enterprise Application Integration
*Analytics (converting data into business intelligence)
The above list is focused on applications and systems, i.e., enablers. From a functionality point of view one might aim for functionalities or uses such as variable or dynamic tariffs, renewable integration, electric vehicle (EV) integration, etc.
Over the past decade, the electricity generation, transmission and distribution landscape around the globe has changed drastically – in the traditional grid of the 20th century there were relatively few points of power generation or injection and millions of points of power consumption. With rapid proliferation of distributed and renewable generation, the 21st century grid will have numerous points of power injection as well as millions of points of consumption. Electric Vehicle (EV) roll out has further increased the complexity of the traditional electricity grid. To manage a grid with such increasing number of intermittent energy sources and EVs, smarter automation and IT systems are imperative. Peak load management through control of loads (such as through demand response, which can be considered a dynamic form of Demand Side Management, or DSM) has assumed high priority for electric utilities as there is a growing peak demand, leading to a supply gap during peak hours of consumption in many parts of the world. Beyond such drivers, increased deregulation, consumer choice for green power, which is inherently variable, and many more factors are giving thrust for the transition to smarter grids that can address all these issues.
A smart grid is an electrical grid with automation, communication and IT systems that can monitor power flows from points of generation to points of consumption (even down to the appliances level) and control the power flow or curtail the load to match generation in real time or near realtime. The increased visibility, predictability, and even control of generation and demand bring flexibility to both generation and consumption and enable the utility to better integrate intermittent renewable generation and also reduce costs of peak power. If the traditional grid was made secure only through over-engineering, a smart grid is cost-effective, nimble, responsive, and better engineered for reliability and self-healing operations.
The traditional electric grid will need to build additional layers of automation, communication and IT systems to transform it to a smarter grid. Some of the applications or building blocks of a smart grid (some of which are already being deployed worldwide, including in India), are:
*Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) with Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Distribution Management Systems (DMS)
* Enterprise IT network covering all substations and field offices with reliable communication systems
*Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/Asset Management Systems
*Modernization of the substations with modern switch gear and numerical relays
*Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with two way communication and Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS)
*Electronic Billing Systems and Customer Care Systems
*Distribution Automation (DA) and Substation Automation Systems
*Outage Management Systems (OMS)
*Mobile Crew Management Systems
*Wide Area Measurement and Control Systems
*Forecasting, Dispatch and Settlement Tools
*Enterprise Application Integration
*Analytics (converting data into business intelligence)
The above list is focused on applications and systems, i.e., enablers. From a functionality point of view one might aim for functionalities or uses such as variable or dynamic tariffs, renewable integration, electric vehicle (EV) integration, etc.
RELEVANCE OF SMART GRID IN INDIA
Smart Grid Vision for India |
Every global driver for smart grids applies to India, but India also has additional drivers in the short term. The power system in India has roughly doubled in the last decade and similarly in the previous decade. With 230 GW of installed capacity with utilities (as of July 2013), the Indian power system is now the fourth largest in the world, but per-capita consumption of electricity in India is only about one-fourth of the world average. This underscores the need to grow the power system at a rapid pace for the next several decades. This low consumption is amplified by the lack of access to electricity to a significant proportion of the population. The potential demand by 2032 is estimated to be as high as 900 GW.
India is also pursuing an aggressive renewable generation program. The 12th Five Year Plan target for renewable energy (RE) generation is 36 GW which will increase the current 12% share of RE (excluding hydro) to around 20% by end of this decade. A power system of this size growing at such a pace (8-10% per year) with an increased share of renewable energy requires smarter systems to manage it efficiently and ensure its stability and reliability.
India has also recently launched a National Mission on Electric Mobility with a target of 6 million electric vehicles (4 million two-wheelers and 2 million four-wheelers) by 2020. For efficient rollout of the EV program, electrical distribution infrastructure upgrades and smarter systems are required which will control/limit simultaneous charging of hundreds of EVs from the same feeder. Beyond just timing the consumption of power, immediate policy level support is required to build enabling infrastructure to integrate the EVs in the electrical network so that these millions of EVs connected to the power system can be leveraged as virtual power plants (VPPs) that can store energy when there is surplus generation and support the grid during moments of deficit. Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technologies are evolving rapidly that can achieve these objectives.
The transmission and distribution losses are still very high in the Indian power system and distribution network (aggregate technical & commercial, or AT&C) loss reduction continues to be the top priority of both utilities and government. Smart grid solutions will help monitor, measure and even control power flows in real time that can help identify losses and thereby appropriate technical and managerial actions can be taken to arrest the losses.
Under the ongoing Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Program (R-APDRP) some of the basic building blocks of smart grids are being implemented in all urban areas (1401 towns) all across India and this infrastructure can be effectively leveraged to transform these utilities to smarter grids with low incremental costs which would result in better utilization of R-APDRP assets as well as those installed under new smart grid programs.
India is also pursuing an aggressive renewable generation program. The 12th Five Year Plan target for renewable energy (RE) generation is 36 GW which will increase the current 12% share of RE (excluding hydro) to around 20% by end of this decade. A power system of this size growing at such a pace (8-10% per year) with an increased share of renewable energy requires smarter systems to manage it efficiently and ensure its stability and reliability.
India has also recently launched a National Mission on Electric Mobility with a target of 6 million electric vehicles (4 million two-wheelers and 2 million four-wheelers) by 2020. For efficient rollout of the EV program, electrical distribution infrastructure upgrades and smarter systems are required which will control/limit simultaneous charging of hundreds of EVs from the same feeder. Beyond just timing the consumption of power, immediate policy level support is required to build enabling infrastructure to integrate the EVs in the electrical network so that these millions of EVs connected to the power system can be leveraged as virtual power plants (VPPs) that can store energy when there is surplus generation and support the grid during moments of deficit. Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technologies are evolving rapidly that can achieve these objectives.
The transmission and distribution losses are still very high in the Indian power system and distribution network (aggregate technical & commercial, or AT&C) loss reduction continues to be the top priority of both utilities and government. Smart grid solutions will help monitor, measure and even control power flows in real time that can help identify losses and thereby appropriate technical and managerial actions can be taken to arrest the losses.
Under the ongoing Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Program (R-APDRP) some of the basic building blocks of smart grids are being implemented in all urban areas (1401 towns) all across India and this infrastructure can be effectively leveraged to transform these utilities to smarter grids with low incremental costs which would result in better utilization of R-APDRP assets as well as those installed under new smart grid programs.
DRIVERS FOR SMART GRID IN INDIA
The drivers for smart grid for different stakeholders in India are:
Utilities:
1. Reduction of T&D losses in all utilities as well as improved collection efficiency
2. Peak load management – multiple options from direct load control to consumer pricing incentives
3. Reduction in power purchase cost
4. Better asset management
5. Increased grid visibility
6. Self-healing grid
7. Renewable integration
customers:
1. Expand access to electricity – “Power for All”
2. Improve reliability of supply to all customers – no power cuts, no more DG sets and inverters
3. Improve quality of supply – no more voltage stabilizers
4. User friendly and transparent interface with utilities
5. Increased choices for consumers, including green power
6. “Prosumer” (producer and consumer) enablement
7. Options to save money by shifting loads from peak periods to off-peak periods
Government and Regulators:
1. Satisfied customers
2. Financially sound utilities
3. Tariff neutral system upgrade and modernization
4. Reduction in emission intensity
It is evident that the far-reaching goals of the Indian power system can be enabled by smart grids which can help improve the efficiency and optimize performance within the Indian power sector.
Utilities:
1. Reduction of T&D losses in all utilities as well as improved collection efficiency
2. Peak load management – multiple options from direct load control to consumer pricing incentives
3. Reduction in power purchase cost
4. Better asset management
5. Increased grid visibility
6. Self-healing grid
7. Renewable integration
customers:
1. Expand access to electricity – “Power for All”
2. Improve reliability of supply to all customers – no power cuts, no more DG sets and inverters
3. Improve quality of supply – no more voltage stabilizers
4. User friendly and transparent interface with utilities
5. Increased choices for consumers, including green power
6. “Prosumer” (producer and consumer) enablement
7. Options to save money by shifting loads from peak periods to off-peak periods
Government and Regulators:
1. Satisfied customers
2. Financially sound utilities
3. Tariff neutral system upgrade and modernization
4. Reduction in emission intensity
It is evident that the far-reaching goals of the Indian power system can be enabled by smart grids which can help improve the efficiency and optimize performance within the Indian power sector.
Need for a Smart Grid Roadmap
From the brief description above, it may be observed that smart grid is a transformation or journey from the present state of the grid towards adding a set of smarter systems/applications in a phased manner and according to the business priorities of each utility. In order to manage and achieve this transformation successfully, detailed planning and development of an implementation strategy, methodology and guidelines are required, covering processes, selection of technologies and standards, resource requirements and capacity building programs for utilities, regulators, implementation agencies and technology providers. A transparent and comprehensive plan and roadmap for the implementation of smart grids would help technology development, capacity building and investment planning by all stakeholders and could ensure completion of projects in planned timelines.
Realizing the growing importance of smart grid technologies in the Indian power sector, the Ministry of Power (MoP) had taken early steps in 2010 by constituting the India Smart Grid Task Force (ISGTF), an inter-ministerial task force chaired by Mr. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to Prime Minister of India; and the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), a public-private partnership initiative. The mandate of both these agencies is to advise MoP on appropriate policies and programs for accelerated development of smart grids in India. One of the key tasks under taken by ISGTF and ISGF is to formulate a comprehensive smart grid vision and roadmap for India. The draft roadmap prepared by ISGTF and ISGF is in alignment with Ministry of Power's overarching policy objectives of “access, availability and affordability of power for all”. The roadmap is also drafted in alignment with the on-going programs such as R-APDRP and RGGVY and builds on the assets being created under these programs and other existing systems in a manner that would complement each other. The draft roadmap has been discussed at different forums and the diverse stakeholders' views have been incorporated in the final version detailed in the following sections.
Realizing the growing importance of smart grid technologies in the Indian power sector, the Ministry of Power (MoP) had taken early steps in 2010 by constituting the India Smart Grid Task Force (ISGTF), an inter-ministerial task force chaired by Mr. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to Prime Minister of India; and the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), a public-private partnership initiative. The mandate of both these agencies is to advise MoP on appropriate policies and programs for accelerated development of smart grids in India. One of the key tasks under taken by ISGTF and ISGF is to formulate a comprehensive smart grid vision and roadmap for India. The draft roadmap prepared by ISGTF and ISGF is in alignment with Ministry of Power's overarching policy objectives of “access, availability and affordability of power for all”. The roadmap is also drafted in alignment with the on-going programs such as R-APDRP and RGGVY and builds on the assets being created under these programs and other existing systems in a manner that would complement each other. The draft roadmap has been discussed at different forums and the diverse stakeholders' views have been incorporated in the final version detailed in the following sections.
Smart Grid Roadmap: Vision, Targets and Outcomes
In order to achieve this vision, stakeholders are advised to formulate state/utility specific policies and programs in alignment with following broad policies and targets which are in line with MoP's overarching policy objective of Access, Availability and Affordability of Power for All:
# Distribution (Including Distributed Generation)
1. Appropriate policies and programs to provide access to electricity for all with uninterrupted life line supply (8 hours/day minimum, including the evening peak) and electrification of 100% households by 2017 and continuous improvement in quality and quantum of supply.
2. Completion of on-going programs which will lay the building blocks of smart grids such as system strengthening, consumer indexing, asset mapping as part of RAPDRP, and planning for integration of such systems into future smart grid deployments.
3. Enabling programs and projects in distribution utilities to reduce AT&C losses to below 15% by 2017, below 12% by 2022, and below 10% by 2027.
4. Integrated technology trials through a set of smart grid pilot projects by 2015; and based on outcome of the pilots, full rollout of smart grids in pilot project areas by 2017; in major urban areas by 2022 and nationwide by 2027.
5. Availability of an indigenous low cost smart meter by 2014. After successful completion of pilots, AMI roll outfor all customers in a phased manner based on size of connection (and geography and utility business case), starting with consumers with load >20 KW by 2017, 3- phase consumers by 2022 and all consumers by 2027 by deploying smart meters and necessary IT and communication infrastructure for the same. Innovative and sustainable financing/business models for smart meter roll outs may be developed.
6. Working with other stakeholders, building the National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) by connecting 2,50,000 village Panchayats in the country by Optical Fiber Cable and extending the fiber link to all the 33/11 kV and above substations to build a backbone communications network for the power sector by 2017.
7. Modernisation of distribution sub-stations and conversion of sub-stations in all urban areas (starting with metro cities) to Gas Insulated Substations based on techno-commercial feasibility in a phased manner through innovative financing models.
8. Development of Microgrids, storage options, virtual power plants (VPP), solar photovoltaic to grid (PV2G), and building to grid (B2G) technologies in order to manage peak demand, optimally use installed capacity and eliminate load shedding and black-outs.
9. Policies for mandatory roof top solar power generation for large establishments, i.e., with connected load more than 20kW or otherwise defined threshold.
10. EV charging facilities may be created in all parking lots, institutional buildings, apartment blocks etc; and quick/fast charging facilities to be built in fuel stations and at strategic locations on highways.
11. Microgrids in 1000 villages/industrial parks/commercial hubs by 2017 and10,000 villages/industrial parks/commercial hubs by 2022, which can island from the main grid during peak hours or grid disturbances.
12. Optimally balancing different sources of generation through efficient scheduling and dispatch of distributed energy resources (including captive plants in the near term) with the goal of long term energy sustainability.
#Transmission
1. Development of a reliable, secure and resilient grid supported by a strong communication infrastructure that enables greater visibility and control of efficient power flow between all sources of production and consumption by 2027.
2. Implementation of Wide Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS, using Phasor Measurement Units, or PMUs) for the entire transmission system. Installation of a larger number of PMUs on the transmission network by 2017 or sooner, as guided by the results of initial deployments. Indigenization of WAMS technology and PMU development and development of custom made analytics for synchrophasor data by 2017.
3. Setting up of Renewable Energy Monitoring Centre's (REMCs) and Energy Storage Systems to facilitate grid integration of renewable generation.
4. 50,000 Kms of optical fiber cables to be installed over transmission lines by the year 2017 to support implementation of smart grid technologies.
5. Enabling programs and projects in transmission utilities to reduce transmission losses to below 4% by 2017 and below 3.5% by 2022.
6. Implement power system enhancements to facilitate evacuation and integration of 30 GW renewable capacity by 2017, 80 GW by 2022, and 130 GW by 2027 – or targets mutually agreed between Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and MoP.
# Policies, Standards and Regulations
1. Formulation of effective customer outreach and communication programs for active involvement of consumers in the smart grid implementation.
2. Development of state/utility specific strategic roadmap(s) for implementation of smart grid technologies across the state/utility by 2014. Required business process reengineering, change management and capacity building programs to be initiated by 2014. State Regulators and utilities may take the lead here.
3. Finalization of frameworks for cyber security assessment, audit and certification of power utilities by end of 2013.
4. Policies for grid-interconnection of captive/consumer generation facilities (including renewables) where ever technically feasible; policies for roof-top solar, net-metering/feed-in tariff; and policies for peaking power stations by2014.
5. Policies supporting improved tariffs such as dynamic tariffs, variable tariffs, etc., including mandatory demand response (DR) programs, starting with bulk consumers by 2014, and extending to all 3-phase (or otherwise defined consumers) by 2017.
6. Policies for energy efficiency in public infrastructure including EV charging facilities by 2015 and for demand response ready appliances by 2017. Relevant policies in this regard to be finalized by 2014.
7. Development/adoption of appropriate standards for smart grid development in India–first set of standards by 2014; continuous engagement in evolution of applicable standards relevant to the Indian context. Active involvement of Indian experts in international bodies engaged in smart grid standards development.
8. Study the results of the first set of smart grid pilot projects and recommend appropriate changes conducive to smart grid development in the Indian Electricity Act / National Power Policy by end of 2015.
9. Development of business models to create alternate revenue streams by leveraging the smart grid infrastructure to offer other services (security solutions, water metering, traffic solutions etc.) to municipalities, state governments and other agencies.
10. Development of Skill Development Centers for smart grid development in line with the National Skill Development Policy 2009 for Power Sector by 2015.
#Other Initiatives
1. Tariff mechanisms, new energy products, energy options and programs to encourage participation of customers in the energy markets that make them “prosumers” – producers and consumers – by 2017.
2. Create an effective information exchange platform that can be shared by all market participants, including prosumers, in real time which will lead to the development of energy markets.
3. Investment in research and development, training and capacity building programs for creation of adequate resource pools for developing and implementing smart grid technologies in India as well as export of smart grid know-how, products and services.
# Distribution (Including Distributed Generation)
1. Appropriate policies and programs to provide access to electricity for all with uninterrupted life line supply (8 hours/day minimum, including the evening peak) and electrification of 100% households by 2017 and continuous improvement in quality and quantum of supply.
2. Completion of on-going programs which will lay the building blocks of smart grids such as system strengthening, consumer indexing, asset mapping as part of RAPDRP, and planning for integration of such systems into future smart grid deployments.
3. Enabling programs and projects in distribution utilities to reduce AT&C losses to below 15% by 2017, below 12% by 2022, and below 10% by 2027.
4. Integrated technology trials through a set of smart grid pilot projects by 2015; and based on outcome of the pilots, full rollout of smart grids in pilot project areas by 2017; in major urban areas by 2022 and nationwide by 2027.
5. Availability of an indigenous low cost smart meter by 2014. After successful completion of pilots, AMI roll outfor all customers in a phased manner based on size of connection (and geography and utility business case), starting with consumers with load >20 KW by 2017, 3- phase consumers by 2022 and all consumers by 2027 by deploying smart meters and necessary IT and communication infrastructure for the same. Innovative and sustainable financing/business models for smart meter roll outs may be developed.
6. Working with other stakeholders, building the National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) by connecting 2,50,000 village Panchayats in the country by Optical Fiber Cable and extending the fiber link to all the 33/11 kV and above substations to build a backbone communications network for the power sector by 2017.
7. Modernisation of distribution sub-stations and conversion of sub-stations in all urban areas (starting with metro cities) to Gas Insulated Substations based on techno-commercial feasibility in a phased manner through innovative financing models.
8. Development of Microgrids, storage options, virtual power plants (VPP), solar photovoltaic to grid (PV2G), and building to grid (B2G) technologies in order to manage peak demand, optimally use installed capacity and eliminate load shedding and black-outs.
9. Policies for mandatory roof top solar power generation for large establishments, i.e., with connected load more than 20kW or otherwise defined threshold.
10. EV charging facilities may be created in all parking lots, institutional buildings, apartment blocks etc; and quick/fast charging facilities to be built in fuel stations and at strategic locations on highways.
11. Microgrids in 1000 villages/industrial parks/commercial hubs by 2017 and10,000 villages/industrial parks/commercial hubs by 2022, which can island from the main grid during peak hours or grid disturbances.
12. Optimally balancing different sources of generation through efficient scheduling and dispatch of distributed energy resources (including captive plants in the near term) with the goal of long term energy sustainability.
#Transmission
1. Development of a reliable, secure and resilient grid supported by a strong communication infrastructure that enables greater visibility and control of efficient power flow between all sources of production and consumption by 2027.
2. Implementation of Wide Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS, using Phasor Measurement Units, or PMUs) for the entire transmission system. Installation of a larger number of PMUs on the transmission network by 2017 or sooner, as guided by the results of initial deployments. Indigenization of WAMS technology and PMU development and development of custom made analytics for synchrophasor data by 2017.
3. Setting up of Renewable Energy Monitoring Centre's (REMCs) and Energy Storage Systems to facilitate grid integration of renewable generation.
4. 50,000 Kms of optical fiber cables to be installed over transmission lines by the year 2017 to support implementation of smart grid technologies.
5. Enabling programs and projects in transmission utilities to reduce transmission losses to below 4% by 2017 and below 3.5% by 2022.
6. Implement power system enhancements to facilitate evacuation and integration of 30 GW renewable capacity by 2017, 80 GW by 2022, and 130 GW by 2027 – or targets mutually agreed between Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and MoP.
# Policies, Standards and Regulations
1. Formulation of effective customer outreach and communication programs for active involvement of consumers in the smart grid implementation.
2. Development of state/utility specific strategic roadmap(s) for implementation of smart grid technologies across the state/utility by 2014. Required business process reengineering, change management and capacity building programs to be initiated by 2014. State Regulators and utilities may take the lead here.
3. Finalization of frameworks for cyber security assessment, audit and certification of power utilities by end of 2013.
4. Policies for grid-interconnection of captive/consumer generation facilities (including renewables) where ever technically feasible; policies for roof-top solar, net-metering/feed-in tariff; and policies for peaking power stations by2014.
5. Policies supporting improved tariffs such as dynamic tariffs, variable tariffs, etc., including mandatory demand response (DR) programs, starting with bulk consumers by 2014, and extending to all 3-phase (or otherwise defined consumers) by 2017.
6. Policies for energy efficiency in public infrastructure including EV charging facilities by 2015 and for demand response ready appliances by 2017. Relevant policies in this regard to be finalized by 2014.
7. Development/adoption of appropriate standards for smart grid development in India–first set of standards by 2014; continuous engagement in evolution of applicable standards relevant to the Indian context. Active involvement of Indian experts in international bodies engaged in smart grid standards development.
8. Study the results of the first set of smart grid pilot projects and recommend appropriate changes conducive to smart grid development in the Indian Electricity Act / National Power Policy by end of 2015.
9. Development of business models to create alternate revenue streams by leveraging the smart grid infrastructure to offer other services (security solutions, water metering, traffic solutions etc.) to municipalities, state governments and other agencies.
10. Development of Skill Development Centers for smart grid development in line with the National Skill Development Policy 2009 for Power Sector by 2015.
#Other Initiatives
1. Tariff mechanisms, new energy products, energy options and programs to encourage participation of customers in the energy markets that make them “prosumers” – producers and consumers – by 2017.
2. Create an effective information exchange platform that can be shared by all market participants, including prosumers, in real time which will lead to the development of energy markets.
3. Investment in research and development, training and capacity building programs for creation of adequate resource pools for developing and implementing smart grid technologies in India as well as export of smart grid know-how, products and services.