One-Day Workshop for DISCOM Officials: Decentralized Solar Power Bringing Positive Change in Energy Landscape – Additional Chief Secretary (Energy)

Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), Shri Alok, highlighted that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, decentralized solar power plants are rapidly being established across Rajasthan. The state’s remarkable progress in this sector over the past year serves as a notable example of the changing energy landscape in India.

Shri Alok made these remarks while addressing a joint workshop for power distribution corporation (DISCOM) officials via video conference at the Rajasthan International Conference Hall on Saturday.

The workshop focused on innovations and digitization in the electricity distribution sector. Shri Alok emphasized that within the next two years, decentralized solar power plants will be developed across all 33/11 kV substations under the PM-KUSUM scheme. He further noted that The Rockefeller Foundation, through its Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), is providing technical support in project management during this energy transition.

DISCOMs Chairperson, Ms. Arti Dogra, stated that the PM-KUSUM scheme is driving the expansion of decentralized solar power. So far, under Component-A and Component-C, small-scale solar power plants with a combined capacity exceeding 600 MW have been installed in Rajasthan. This initiative not only reduces carbon footprints but also brings social and economic transformation in rural areas. From engineers to linemen, all DISCOM officials are playing a key role as change agents in this energy transition.

Rockefeller Foundation’s Director, Shri Shudhodhnu Basu, noted that with the increasing use of air conditioners, mobile gadgets, appliances, and electric vehicles, the country’s power demand is rising rapidly. To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy, the integration of digitization, AI tools, data management, and information technology is essential for achieving the energy transition goals.

As a partner of NITI Aayog, the GEAPP team presented insights from the Bansur Pilot Project, showcasing its social and economic impact, the successful implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, and the monitoring of decentralized solar power supply. They also introduced various mobile applications, tools, and modules developed to support DISCOMs.

Additionally, the team provided details about the AI-based digital solution “Edge Electra” and the Lineman App, designed for load flow management and asset digitization. They also introduced a CMS portal to enhance coordination among stakeholders of the PM-KUSUM scheme.

The workshop was attended by the Managing Directors of Jodhpur and Ajmer DISCOMs, Directors (Technical & Finance), Regional Chief Engineers (O&M) from all three DISCOMs, as well as key officials from departments including Planning, Project Monitoring, Technical Security & Quality Control, Meter Protection & IT, Material Management, PM Suryaghar, PM-KUSUM, and RDSS.