IBM, NDPL join hands to reduce transmission loss

NEW DELHI: IT giant IBM today said it has entered into a strategic partnership with utility firm NDPL, a Tata Power and Delhi government joint venture, to help the latter bring down their transmission losses below 10 per cent in the next three to seven years.

"IBM would provide solution to help the utility firm adopt 'smart grid' technologies which in turn would help it bring down the transmission losses from current 18 per cent to 10 per cent," IBM India Head Energy and Utilities industry Reji Pillai said.

The national average for transmission loss is 35 per cent.

North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL) distributes electricity across North and North Western part of Delhi.
Declining to share the financial details Pillai said the monetary details of the partnership are being worked out by both the firms.

As per the partnership, NDPL became a member of the IBM-led Intelligent Utility Network coalition, which aims to use technology for improving operational efficiency, reducing network losses and ensuring reliable power to consumers.

"India's energy demand is growing rapidly and it is imperative to ensure a robust distribution network by adopting latest technologies to sustain this. By being a part of the coalition, we would be engaging in a strategic effort to develop and deploy IUN solutions to enhance the efficiency and reliability of our utility operations," NDPL CEO and Executive Director Sunil Wadhwa said.

The coalition which includes seven utility firms from North America, the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions would collaborate to create solutions.