Latest news with #AT&C
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Annual tech spend of utilities sector to reach ₹32,500 cr by 2027
Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is emerging as the preferred connectivity choice for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), supported by a projected rise in India's utilities sector technology spend to ₹32,500 crore by 2027, according to a white paper released by data and market intelligence major IDC and backed by Airtel Business. The sector's spending has been rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7 per cent since 2022, when it stood at ₹14,500 crore. This surge in investment underscores the sector's commitment to digitalisation, seen as crucial to tackling persistent high aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses and operational inefficiencies. While India's AT&C losses fell to 15.4 per cent in FY23, this remains nearly double the global average of 8–9 per cent, the paper noted. The government's Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) aims to reduce AT&C losses to 12–15 per cent by 2025. This target is based on replacing 250 million conventional electricity meters with AMI systems to improve the financial and operational performance of power distribution companies. However, while over 222.4 million meters have been sanctioned for conversion under the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), only 20.85 million — around 9 per cent — had been converted as of February, the paper highlighted. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. These devices range from everyday household items such as Wi-Fi routers, smartwatches, and Bluetooth devices to smart fridges, LED lighting, RFID tags, and sophisticated industrial equipment. NB-IoT, a cellular-based connectivity technology, offers wide coverage and low power consumption, making it ideal for large-scale smart metering deployments. Cellular connections (including NB-IoT) in the utilities segment are expected to grow at a CAGR of 25.6 per cent during the 2023–2027 period. With a broad portfolio of IoT offerings, Airtel Business provides a scalable foundation for connected devices, including connectivity options such as NB-IoT, 5G, 4G, and 2G, along with applications like head-end systems, meter data management, and prepaid billing hosted on Airtel Cloud. In partnership with Airtel, Secure Meters has successfully deployed 1.7 million NB-IoT smart meters across Bihar. Airtel's IoTHub serves as a central platform for managing IoT deployments, enabling meter life-cycle management, data visualisation, and analytics. In 2023, Airtel became the first Information and Communications Technology (ICT) service provider in India to connect over 20 million devices through its IoT solutions. In the smart utilities domain, Airtel offers solutions that go beyond connectivity—supporting AMI service providers with end-to-end system uptime tracking and custom-built tools to assess the feasibility of large-scale deployments. The company has pitched these integrated solutions to utilities across the country.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Underground power cables likely to rid Vizag core area of electric poles by December 2026
A large part of power network in the core city area of Visakhapatnam will soon be free of electric poles, if the underground cable laying gets completed as per schedule by December 2026. After witnessing the success of phase I of the underground power cabling, which was undertaken after Cyclone Hudhud laid poles to waste in October 2014, A.P. Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) is currently taking the project forward by laying underground base for a distance of 876 km under phase II at an investment of ₹973 crore as part of the Centre's Renovated Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The RDSS is aimed to improve the performance and efficiency of power sector in the country. The objectives include reducing AT&C (Integrated Technical and Commercial) losses, improving the quality and reliability of power supply and making the power distribution sector financially sustainable. Phase II was sanctioned last year, but work only began this financial year. Unlike the phase I, which provided underground network for 33kV, 11kV and LT lines, the phase II will cover only 33kV and 11kV lines up to the end of distribution transformers. The total project cost has been divided into ₹340 crore for the 33kV line and ₹633 crore for the 11kV line. The works, began in the summer of 2025, progressed well with no rain hampering it. During this southwest monsoon, progress could be slowed or the work interrupted. However, the authorities plan to expedite the work after the onset of winter, completing the project by December 2026. Speaking to The Hindu, APEPDCL superintending engineer for Visakhapatnanm district G. Shyambabu said only 33kV and 11kV lines will be covered in phase II. 'We will not take up LT lines (i.e. supply to domestic consumers) as was done in phase I. The underground cables were laid on every street and corner in phase I. However, proposals have been sent to the higher-ups to include the LT lines as well.'
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Business Standard
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
CESC Q4 profit dips 6.8% on higher tax despite rise in demand, revenue
India's CESC, a power generation and distribution company, reported a fall in fourth-quarter profit on Thursday, hurt by a jump in tax expenses amid higher power demand. The company's consolidated net profit fell 6.8 per cent year-on-year to Rs 373 crore ($43.6 million) for the three months ended March 31. CESC's total tax expenses jumped to Rs 810 lakh from Rs 400 lakh a year ago. The company's profit before tax rose 11.2 per cent. Revenue from operations climbed 14.5 per cent to Rs 3,877 crore. Power demand increased steadily during the January-March period as above-normal temperatures led to higher electricity usage. Analysts at Elara Capital had expected a boost to CESC's fourth-quarter revenue due to increased power generation and reduced distribution losses. The company's distribution segment likely benefited from lower aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, the brokerage added. AT&C losses are a combination of energy losses, including due to theft and billing inefficiency, as well as commercial losses, which include payment defaults and collection inefficiency. Peer Tata Power reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit driven by strong power demand, while Torrent Power's profit more than doubled on lower costs. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre asks western states to ensure capacity tie-ups till FY2035, focus on smart metering and power islanding
New Delhi: The ministry of power on Tuesday asked western region states to plan capacity tie-ups in line with the national resource adequacy framework up to FY2035 and to expedite installation of pre-paid smart meters in government premises by August 2025. This was conveyed during the regional conference for western region states held in Mumbai in the presence of Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik, Goa Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Gujarat Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai, and Madhya Pradesh Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar via video conference. Maharashtra Minister of State for Energy Meghana Sakore Bordikar also participated. Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, state power secretaries and CMDs of central and state utilities were present. The Power Secretary, Government of India, stressed the need for timely capacity tie-ups and development of inter- and intra-state transmission infrastructure through tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB), regulated tariff mechanism (RTM), budgetary support or asset monetization. He also called for immediate implementation of cybersecurity protocols and preparation of power islanding schemes by all states. Union minister Manohar Lal emphasised the importance of ensuring resource adequacy and planning necessary storage through Pumped Storage Projects and Battery Energy Storage Systems. He said, 'We must enhance nuclear power generation capacity to 100 GW by 2047.' He also underlined the need for special green energy zones to enable progress toward net zero emissions. Highlighting the financial distress in the power distribution sector, the minister said that high AT&C losses , non-cost reflective tariffs, and delays in government dues and subsidies have strained DISCOMs. He urged states to ensure timely subsidy payments and implement smart metering infrastructure under the RDSS. He said Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have made progress in reducing AT&C losses and added that states must prioritise prepaid smart meter installation in government offices and colonies, aiming for completion by August 2025. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Maharashtra is focusing on improving power reliability and has plans to reduce AT&C losses, and sought central government assistance in restructuring DISCOM debts. The conference concluded with states requesting continued central government support to further improve the power sector.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Lal lauds Tripura's steps in power distribution, energy governance
Agartala: Union power minister Manohar Lal appreciated Tripura's initiatives under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), particularly in power distribution and infrastructure modernisation for a reliable, transparent, and consumer-friendly energy governance. Tripura power minister Ratan Lal Nath while addressing North-Eastern and Eastern States Power Ministers' Conference held in Gangtok on Saturday, said Tripura emerged as a front runner in India's energy transformation. He said Tripura's green energy vision is in perfect alignment with India's broader goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, which emphasises the state's commitment to renewable energy to pave the way for a cleaner and sustainable future. Tripura became top among northeastern states and ranks third across the country in implementing RDSS targets and a reduction in Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses was specifically cited as a testament to the efficient management and commitment to reform mandates. Additionally, Tripura ranks first in the northeast and third nationally for the installation of smart meters in households — a vital step towards building a modern and transparent power ecosystem, Nath said. He added, "Union power minister praised Tripura's leadership, calling the progress "commendable" and "a model for other states to follow". Nath highlighted the need for continued central govt's support to further reinforce Tripura's power infrastructure. He sought a package of Rs 1,331.26 crore for an infrastructure development package recommended by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for implementation by 2031-32.
