The Ministry of Power has recently initiated an innovative hackathon competition known as Powerthon-2022. This event, which falls under the scope of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), is geared towards identifying tech-driven solutions to some of the most challenging issues in the field of power distribution. With participants from a wide array of sectors including startups, Technology Solution Providers (TSPs), educational and research institutions, equipment manufacturers, state power utilities, and other power entities, Powerthon-2022 is set to be a landmark event in the power sector.
Powerthon-2022: A Tech-Driven Initiative
This initiative is part of the RDSS, a scheme aimed at solving complex problems in the power distribution sector through technology. The hackathon hosts nine themes — demand/load forecasting, Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) loss reduction, energy theft detection, prediction of Distribution Transformer (DT) failure, asset inspection, vegetation management, consumer experience enhancement, renewable energy integration, and power purchase optimisation.
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
Introduced and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in July 2021, the RDSS was created with the aim to bolster the operational effectiveness and financial sustainability of power distribution companies or discoms (excluding those in the private sector). The RDSS provides conditional financial support to enhance discoms’ supply infrastructure. All pre-existing power sector reforms schemes such as the Integrated Power Development Scheme, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana are consolidated under this umbrella program, which will remain active until the 2025-26 period.
RDSS is distinctly characterized by its reform-based and result-linked approach. The main objectives of this scheme include reducing AT&C losses to 12-15%, bridging the cost-revenue gap by 2024-25, and raising the quality and reliability of power supply.
Other Power Sector Schemes
In addition to RDSS and its encompassed programs, there are several other schemes related to the power sector. These include the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya), Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), the GARV (Grameen Vidyutikaran) App, Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY), and the ‘4 Es’ in the Revised Tariff Policy. Each of these initiatives plays a significant role in advancing India’s power sector and is an essential part of the overall landscape.
Overall, Powerthon-2022 signifies a forward-thinking approach in India’s journey towards more efficient and sustainable power distribution. It will facilitate the creation and implementation of technological solutions for complex issues, paving the way for enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability in the power sector.
Source: (PIB)
