(a) the details of expenditure incurred by the Government for the development of smart grid network in the country during the last three years;
(b) whether there has been any delay in the implementation of the 14 smart grid pilot projects;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor along with the measures taken to expedite the work of the project; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to increase the number of smart grid projects in the country, if so the details and status thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER,
COAL AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY
( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )
(a) : No expenditure has been incurred by the Government of India so far for the development of smart grid network in the country during the last three years. However, during current FY 2015-16, Government of India share amounting to Rs.11.19 Crores has been sanctioned for disbursement for following three Smart Grid pilot projects:
1. Rs.4.07 Crores to CESC, Mysore
2. Rs.2.43 Crores to HPSEB, Himachal Pradesh
3. Rs.4.69 Crores to IIT Kanpur
(b) & (c): There has been delay in start of implementation of these pilot projects. The major reasons are delayed preparation of Detail Project Report (DPR)’s due to state-of-the-art technology deployment, lack of expertise amongst utility staff, initial lack of response from the bidders and extremely high prices in case of some projects.
The measures taken to expedite the work of the project includes Capacity building activities for the utility personnel, Mutual collaboration/ engagement between the utilities for sharing knowledge & resolving common issues and continuous monitoring of projects through India Smart Grid Task Force Secretariat (ISGTF). Utilities were allowed to engage Consultants like POWERGRID, CPRI or private consultants to bring in the required domain expertise.
(d) : Government of India has approved establishment of National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), which will have its own resources, independence and statutory authority to plan and monitor Smart Grid implementation in India. NSGM shall act as the focal point for coordinating all the activities and projects being undertaken for development of Smart Grid in India across the different Ministries of Government of India.
********