A high-level panel working on cutting-edge technological interventions to improve the management of load flows across the country's electricity grid has recommended that eight pilot projects be taken up nationwide. This is to be done over the next 18 months.
The Working Groups formed under the India Smart Grid Task Force (ISGTF), chaired by Mr Sam Pitroda, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovations, has recommended that smart grid standards be first established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
It has suggested that low cost ‘smart meters' need to be developed to ensure that 100 per cent metering is achieved within distribution companies, an official release said.
The panel has also recommended that metering intervention be introduced in more towns under the Power Ministry's flagship power reforms programme — the RAPDRP (Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme.
Also, critical cyber security assets are to be identified and audits undertaken on regular basis.
The ISGTF, chaired by Mr Pitroda, was set up in May 2010 to develop a roadmap and standards for the development and implementation of ‘smart grid' related technologies in the country.