Tata Power enhances power supply management for Mumbai’s summer season
Tata Power, servicing over 750,000 consumers in Mumbai, is gearing up for the anticipated surge in power demand during the upcoming summer season of April to June 2024. The company is poised to meet a peak demand estimated at 1,030 megawatts (MW) through comprehensive measures across its Generation, Transmission, and Distribution sectors.
The initiative involves state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to forecast and monitor power demand precisely. Tata Power Mumbai Distribution has already coordinated with its contracted generating units to ensure full availability during this peak period.
In preparation for the increased demand, Tata Power has implemented several advanced systems to maintain and enhance service reliability. These include Auto Transfer Schemes (ATS), LoRa Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and Feeder Remote Terminal Units (FRTU) at its Distribution Substations (DSS) and Customer Service Stations (CSS). Additionally, the network’s health is continuously monitored through thermal scanning of transformers, feeder pillars, and cables, and the safety and security of facilities are ensured through the analysis of CCTV footage, with alerts for housekeeping and intrusion detection.
To assist consumers during this busy season, all dedicated call centers and 10 customer care centers have been equipped to handle queries related to billing and consumption efficiently. Tata Power has also engaged over 230,000 customers in nine Behavioral Demand Response (BDR) programs, aimed at better preparing for potential challenges, with plans to conduct an additional four to five sessions.
Moreover, Tata Power is promoting energy efficiency among its residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. The company offers up to 50% discounts on new energy-efficient devices and runs an appliance exchange program that includes products like energy-efficient ceiling fans, air-conditioners, LED tube lights, and refrigerators. Additionally, energy audits are conducted to facilitate efficient demand-side management.
In terms of power generation, Tata Power has completed preventive maintenance on its thermal and hydroelectric plants to ensure there are no significant outages planned during the summer months. In a recent collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), the company has engaged in a demand flexibility program to optimize power by shifting water pumping loads from peak to non-peak hours, leveraging solar energy.
Tata Power’s multifaceted approach to managing the summer’s power demand highlights its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply and promoting energy efficiency. By leveraging advanced technology and proactive customer engagement, Tata Power is setting a standard for urban power management in response to seasonal demand fluctuations.