Power sector surging ahead

The Indian power sector is at a crossroad. It is looking to surge ahead. This can be possible with the right kind of institutional support extended to private players who have brought in a sense of vitality in the power sector. Power, being one of the key inputs to infrastructural development, in integrally linked to the process of nation-building. BE's Saptarshi Deb spoke to Somesh Dasgupta, the Whole-time Director and the Corporate Compliance Responsibility Officer at India Power Corporation Limited, having over three decades of experience in the power and utility sector.

- Somesh Dasgupta

Q. Please take us through your distribution journey.

A. As of today, we have 798 square kms of distribution area in Asansol-Raniganj region and our company has been in operation since 1919. Initially the distribution model was aimed at the coal mines and industries, which later expanded to cater to the needs of the railways and the commercial market and eventually, we also ventured to address the needs of the low tension (LT) domestic segment. According to the 10th Annual Integrated Ratings & Rankings for Indian State & Private DISCOMs done by McKinsey and published by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, we are the best power utility in our state (West Bengal) and the 10th best in India.

Q. Please explain how you have been successful in maintaining one of the lowest T&D losses in the country?

A. This has been a significant achievement. Firstly, I should make it clear that maintaining a 3% T&D loss is extremely difficult and is depended on technical and commercial parameters.