Odisha to Get Rs 441.66 Cr under EESL’s Utility-based Demand Side Management Programme

Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a joint venture under the Ministry of Power along with the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) launched a utility-based demand side management (DSM) Programme for the power distribution companies (Discoms) in the state of Odisha.

In line with this, a total investment of Rs 441.66 crore has been planned in the state in a phased manner.

EESL in a statement said that “Odisha was considered as the pilot project based on the interest shown by TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL) and TP Northern Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPNODL) during the initial planning stage.”

The DSM programme aimed to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce energy consumption as well as GHG emissions. This programme is further being planned in Jharkhand and Telangana.

During the launch, Nikunja Bihari Dhal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy, Govt of Odisha, said, “to address the country’s acute power deficit, utilities are confronted with the task of improving end-use energy efficiency and managing power demands for sustainable growth. This has made the utility-based Demand Side Management (DSM) Programme in Odisha a vital enabler for improving the financial viability of Discoms.”

He further added that “consumers too will benefit from the programme through lowered energy consumption and reduced energy costs.”

“With growing energy consumption in Odisha, fueled by urbanization and development of industries and infrastructure, the utility-based Demand Side Management (DSM) programme will prove to be a highly effective mechanism to ensure energy efficiency. Demand side management comes with an array of benefits and we want them to reach consumers as well as Discoms,” said U.N. Behera, Chairman, OERC.

Besides, this programme also aimed to replace around 4.5 lakh old fans with super-efficient fans with an investment of Rs 86.55 crore.

A further replacement of around 45,000 old ACs with super energy-efficient ACs with an investment of Rs 223.83 crore and replacement of around 14,370 old motors with IE3 Motors with an investment of Rs 131.28 crore will also be undertaken.

The vision is to upsurge the replication of energy efficiency measures, in a bid to assist Discoms in better implementation of DSM and reduction in transmission and distribution losses.

The utility-based DSM project, when implemented will generate financial savings of Rs 12-13 crore for the Discoms in Odisha apart from associated incentives.

Further, it will also lead to financial savings of Rs 73.57 crore for the consumers of such Discoms.

Through DSM, Odisha will be able to address the rising power supply costs, energy subsidies, climate change, environmental degradation, and energy security concerns.

Meanwhile, this programme will also result in seasonal peak demand reduction, energy savings, and reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases.