Deadline: 9-Mar-22
Applications are now open for the Powerthon-2022, an Initiative under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) by The Ministry of Power (MOP), Government of India (GOI).
Under the “Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)” introduced by the Ministry of Power a framework for promoting advanced technologies across power distribution sector has already been approved. Under this a two-pronged strategy i.e, leveraging the existing network of Technology solutions providers (TSP) to test and scale up use cases at Discom(s) and creating power distribution focused incubators for continuous innovation in the sector. REC Ltd has been entrusted as Designated Agency and has signed an MoU with Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) under IIT Bombay as ‘incubator cum technology partner, for support in implementing the strategy.
The key objective of Powerthon-2022 is to create a forum for participation of Technology solutions providers, startups, educational institutions, research institute, equipment manufacturers, state power utilities and other state and central power sector entities, brief them on the current challenges faced across the power distribution sector and primarily invite applications from TSPs to participate in the Powerthon-2022. Herein, the TSPs can showcase their technology driven solutions to solve the complex problems. The solutions can be based on any advanced emerging technologies like AI/ML, Blockchain, IoT, VR/AR etc.
Funding Information
The TSPs, post POC acceptance will be provided with fees of INR 5 lakhs towards the POC. The TSPs selected for pilot implementation at DISCOMs will be provided with a maximum grant of up to INR 20 lakhs. No financial assistance will be provided to nonstartup TSPs. A corpus of INR 4 Cr provisioned from Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) shall be deployed to manage implementation of this program for a period of 1 year.
Problem Statements
After various discussions with 14 discoms across 10 states, problem statements have been categorized across 9 key broad aspects for pilot testing:
- Demand/Load forecasting
- Vegetation management
- AT&C loss reduction
- Consumer experience enhancement
- Energy theft detection
- RE integration
- Prediction of DT failure
- Power purchase optimization
- Asset inspection
- Open category
Criteria
- Application Registration: In response to the problem statements mentioned hereinbefore, the applicants may apply at the Powerthon-2022 website by filling the online form. The application form captures key aspects like; TSP General Profile with basic details, TSP product profile, TSP’s target intervention areas for Powerthon-2022, past experiences, solution architecture, timelines and workplan etc. Each applicant can apply for a maximum of 3 problem areas.
- Screening and selection process of applicants for PoC and Pilot:
- Initial Screening: The applications submitted will be initially screened based on the extent of information filled and basic relevance of the proposed product/service to the targeted problem statement(s).
- Technical Screening: Post initial screening, the shortlisted applications will be evaluated by technical committee on various technical aspects. The technical committee may comprise of individuals from central/state power sector nodal agencies, Discoms, research institutions etc. Individualized discussions shall ensue between DISCOMs and shortlisted applicants to address any queries, followed by TSPs final presentation and submission of POC before technical committee.
- Screening by Expert Committee for POC: The final shortlisting of TSP for POC will be done by the expert committee and the selected TSPs shall submit the final POC for technical and expert committee’s review.
- Screening of TSP for final Pilot: The submitted POCs, will be evaluated by the Technical Committee to assess the implementation feasibility and conformity to the problem statements. Subsequently the Expert Committee will shortlist the TSPs for the pilot implementation at DISCOMs.
- Post POC contractual arrangements: Upon POC finalization, a tri-partite agreement will be signed between DISCOM, Incubator and the TSPs, covering key aspects like Roles and responsibilities, Scope of work, Milestones, timelines and expected outcome, Mechanism of disbursal of grant for the pilot implementation, payment milestones and schedules etc.
- Pilot Allocation: For each problem statement, 2-3 TSPs, with a mix of established companies and Start-ups will be shortlisted based on their approved POCs, each TSP may be allowed to undertake a maximum of 3 pilot projects under this initiative.
For more information, visit https://sineiitb.org/mop/powerthon2022.html