Smart grid panel plans Rs 600 cr spend on pilot projects

The government is likely to launch over a dozen pilot projects on the use of smart grid technology,in order to give a boost to the lagging power sector. This is one of the key recommendations of an inter-ministerial group focused on smart grid technologies.

The group — India Smart Grid Task Force — is chaired by Sam Pitroda,who is the adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation. “We are planning to spend up to Rs 600 crore for about 15 pilot projects related to smart grid technologies,” Pitroda said on Tuesday.

Smart grids are expected to harness information technology to improve the overall efficiency of the power sector,especially in transmission and distribution segments. Estimates reveal that over 30 per cent electricity is lost during electricity transmission and distribution.