In May 2015, Government approved the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) -an institutional mechanism for planning, monitoring and implementation of policies and programs related to Smart Grid activities.
What is Smart grid?
- A smart grid is an electrical grid with automation, communication and IT systems that can monitor power flows from points of generation to points of consumption and control the power flow or curtail the load to match generation on real-time basis. It involves two-way communication among the generating units, the control centres of distribution utilities and the consumers.
- The smart grid enables increased, predictability and control of generation and demand through consumer involvement, thus bringing flexibility in both generation and consumption, enabling the utility to better integrate intermittent renewable generation and reducing costs of peak power. A smart grid is cost-effective, responsive, and engineered for reliability of operations.
About Smart Grid Mission
NSGM has three tier structure:
- At the apex level, NSGM has a Governing Council headed by the Minister of Power. Members of the Governing Council are Secretary level officers of concerned Ministries and departments. Role of Governing Council is to approve all policies and programme for smart grid implementation.
- At the second level, the NSGM has an Empowered Committee headed by Secretary (Power). Members of the Empowered Committee are Joint Secretary level officers of concerned Ministries and departments. Role of Empowered Committee is to provide policy input to Governing Council and approve, monitor, review specific smart grid projects, guidelines / procedures etc.
- In a supportive role, NSGM has a Technical Committee headed by Chairperson (CEA). Members of the Technical Committee are Director level officers of concerned Ministries & departments, representatives from industries and academia. Role of Technical Committee is to support the Empowered Committee on technical aspect, standards development, technology selection guidelines etc.
- For day-to-day operations, NSGM has a NSGM Project Management Unit (NPMU) headed by the Director NPMU. Director NPMU is a Member of the Governing Council and Empowered Committee, and Member Secretary of Technical Committee. NPMU is the implementing agency for operationalising the Smart Grid activities in the country under the guidance of Governing Council and Empowered Committee.
- Grant up-to 30% of the project cost is available from NSGM budget. For selected components such as training & capacity building, consumer engagement etc, 100% grant is available.
- Corresponding to the NSGM, State Level Mission chaired by the Power Secretary of the State has also been proposed. Support for training & capacity building to State Level Project Monitoring Units (SLPMUs) for smart grid activities is provided by NSGM.
Smart Grid Knowledge Centre
- The Smart Grid Knowledge Center (SGKC) being developed by POWERGRID with funding from MoP.
- It will act as a Resource Centre for providing technical support to the Mission in all technical matters, including development of technical manpower, capacity building, outreach, suggesting curriculum changes in technical education etc.
- Expenditure on civil works is being borne by POWERGRID. The SGKC will maintain adequate training infrastructure facilities and a cumulative support of Rs 10 crore in 12th Plan is proposed to be provided to it from NSGM budget.
- Possibility will also be explored for bilateral and multi lateral financial support from various national and international agencies in this regard.
- The SGKC shall undertake programs and activities envisaged for it as per the guidance from NPMU. The Head of SGKC will report to Director NPMU.