IBM to deliver smart grid solution to Tata Power Delhi Distribution

Software giant IBM Thursday said it has been selected by Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. (TPDD) to conceptualise, design and deliver an advanced smart grid solution that will collect and analyze real-time information from smart meters and data from the communication and management infrastructure.

This will enable TPDD to better manage energy output and further reduce outages, IBM said in a release here.

"TPDD is committed to accelerate the smart grid deployment, which will give customers more visibility and control in managing their energy usage and transform the electric network into a robust, secure and intelligent system," said Praveer Sinha, chief executive officer and executive director, TPDD.

IBM will support TPDD to create system architecture, ensure adherence to international smart grid standards, optimize business process and incorporate dynamic business analytics function to offer actionable insights; while TPDD will leverage IBM expertise to integrate new advanced metering, meter data management, and demand response systems with existing applications including customer and geographic information systems.

In India, aggregated technical and commercial losses that occur due to electricity transmission and energy theft are estimated at about 26.4 percent on a national average. The Indian government has launched the Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) with the aim to reduce these losses in the country and to improve the power distribution sector of state utilities, during 11th Five-Year Plan period (2007-2012).

"This project will help add a layer of digital intelligence to the grid and ensure reliability when the demand rises exponentially and the supply falls due to heavy consumption. In addition, this will provide customer service improvements including new digital meters, enhanced self-service options and access to a customer portal to manage energy use," the release said.

When complete, the multi-phased engagement is expected to enhance the relationship between TPDD and its consumers thereby enabling more efficient consumption of electricity.

IBM is involved in more than 150 Smart Grid engagements in mature and emerging markets.