CEA and DFID to jointly develop model for optimum electricity mix

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Department for International Development (DFID), UK, have collaborated to establish a model for determining an optimum mix and purchase of energy by discoms from all sources for efficient electricity supply. The model encompasses cost optimisation, demand forecast, renewable energy integration, and peak and non-peak power supply functions. As the share of renewables is increasing, the model will also plan an optimum energy mix comprising thermal, hydro, solar and wind as well as long-term and short-term power purchase. At present, a pilot based on the model is being run in Telangana and the CEA is planning to give it free to other states. The project is in line with the centre’s plan to introduce the second phase of reforms under the Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY II) which will focus on loss reduction in discoms.