Question : TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION LOSSES

(a) whether revamping the management and operation of power distribution companies has been suggested in the midterm review to bring down transmissionand distribution losses;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposesto use latest technology to minimize transmission cost and losses during transmission and distribution loss;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the efforts made or proposed to bemade by the Government for the optimumutilization of available transmission assetsand minimize transmission and distributionlosses?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Mid-Term Appraisal of the Eleventh Five Year Plan had suggested measures in regard to improvement of distribution system. A copy of therelevant page taken from the website of the Planning Commission is enclosed at Annex.

(c) to (e): Yes, Madam. Government has proposed to use latest technology to minimize transmission cost and losses during transmission and distribution.

Distribution

The restructured APDRP scheme was approved in July, 2008, with the aim of restoring the commercial viability of the distribution sector by putting in place mechanisms that lead to a substantial reduction in aggregate AT&C losses with demonstrable performance in terms of sustained loss reduction with definite end-points and delivery time lines. Projects under the scheme are taken up in two parts. Part A focuses on establishing reliable and automated systems for sustained collection of accurate baseline data, and the adoption of IT in the areas of energy accounting and auditing and consumer base services. Part B includes regular system strengthening projects. Under R-ADPRP, projects worth ?31,416.15 crores (Part-A: Rs 6,639.98 crores covering 1402 towns and 63 SCADA projects; Part-B: Rs 24,776.17 crores covering 1086 towns) have been sanctioned.

Transmission

To minimize transmission cost,Powergrid Corporation of India Ltd. is using latest technology in Transmission. This includes use of High capacity 400kV multi-circuit/bundle conductor lines, High Surge Impedance Loading (HSIL) Line to increase the loadability of lines, ±800kV, 6000MW High Capacity HVDC system, use of Compact towers to reduce space, Use of High temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductor line to increase current rating, use of Fixed and Thyristor Controlled Series Compensation (TCSC) to enhances power handling capability, establishment of State-of-the-art Gas Insulated Substations (GIS), which requires less space (about 80% reduction), Regulation in Power Flow/ FACTs devices, substation automation and remote operation etc.