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Power.9.Thmb.jpg Power woes for MSMEs

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Bikky Khosla | 10 Jun, 2014
The unprecedented electricity crisis in northern India may result in disruption of work and likely closure of 25 percent of micro, small and medium enterprises in the region and pull down their overall industrial production by a whopping 40 percent, a survey released last week has cautioned. The worst hit states are Punjab, UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. The situation is no less serious in the southern part of the country, with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu likely to face energy shortages to the extent of 2,111 MU. Electricity is dwindling everywhere.

Power shortage is nothing new to our MSMEs. Nearly every small business owner in India views it as one of the biggest challenges facing the sector. In many states, long power cuts hit normal life daily -- production in industrial units is also affected and those which are in manufacturing, particularly the small firms that cannot afford diesel-based power generation for long hours have to bear the brunt of it. Demands for a solution have never been taken seriously, no sincere efforts have been made, and now the situation has turned from bad to worse.

India is structurally short of electricity, but many view that this is not the only reason behind the power crisis -- populist measures and subsidies are equally responsible. At state level, politicians regulate for cheap electricity. In some instances, farmers are provided free or low-cost power and the burden of this has to borne by the state power distributing companies. As a result, these companies are increasingly finding themselves in debt to the power generation companies. We need to free the power infrastructure from this mess.

The country primarily depends on coal for electricity and there is little doubt that we have to depend on this mode of power generation for many years to come. The 12th five-year plan anticipates that about 76 gigawatts of new power will be added by 2016-17, with around 82 percent of this power generated from coal. This will require about 842 million tonnes of coal a year. This is a big target and to achieve it new mines must be built and railway bottlenecks must be removed. This, in turn, also requires removing the multiple bureaucratic layers to attract investors.

Alternative energy sources, particularly solar energy, also need to be aggressively pursued. India is densely populated and has high solar insolation and this is an ideal combination for solar power generation. I think time has come now to focus on implementing the National Solar Mission which has set an ambitious target of deploying 20,000 MW of grid connected solar power by 2022. Success in this mission will help us not only to save thousands of small businesses from closure but also to light up millions of homes in the country that still don't have access to electricity.

I invite your feedback. 
 
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Power generation within distribution station
R Pravin | Wed Jul 9 04:58:17 2014
It is very important we concentrate on Solar Energy. Consumer and power generator are equally responsible towards conserving power. Another group of people to be made responsible are power distributor. we see them completely aloof to concern of general public. Transmission losses have to be minimized to NIL.


soler power generation
satya parkash sagar | Tue Jul 1 13:13:27 2014
I am fully agree with you and also interested to know more information regarding SOLAR POWER generation....Thanks


Power woes for MSMEs
Peter Mann Bachelor of Engineering | Mon Jun 16 12:46:07 2014
Beware of investors ! You may have a lower start up cost, but the long-term higher cost of electricity will punish without ending. I live in Victoria, Australia, where we once [20 years ago] had the lowest cost of electricity in the world, through government-owned mines, generating stations, and government-owned distribution infrastructure. Then a government of capitalist lackeys [Liberal Party] sold all of this efficient system to "investors". They called it "economic rationalisation", and promised the cost of electricity would not rise. Now our electricity cost is among the highest quarter. Better to do the project management within your existing resources, using your own people's loyalty to India to find the most cost-effective method of constructing power reticulation. Localised generation is more efficient than long-distance transmission, because of high capacitive transmission losses.


National Solar mission
Sunil Sharma | Sun Jun 15 10:56:36 2014
I am fully agree with you and also interested to know more information regarding solar power generation. Thank you


power shortage
Sengupta Sankar | Fri Jun 13 14:32:29 2014
Very pertinent report.Thanku.More stress should be on Solar energy harvesting.I and my Trust (SAIT) would like to do all I can for Solar energy.


It's an very good information
ramesh kumar | Fri Jun 13 07:10:46 2014
The solar ultimate way to get electricity energy.


Power woes for MSMEs
Rupanagudi Ravi Shankar | Thu Jun 12 23:14:29 2014
What is noted and stated is 100% true. When I was doing my Engineering way back in 1974-79, the power was in shortage. even after 40 years the scenario is more or less static. I personally feel it will be so even after another 40 years with our politicians not having long term vision on power[electrical] but having short term vision on power[political]. Solar Power seems to be a very good alternative, with of course the negative effects, if any, not yet known to us commoners. Government should aggressively pursue this generation. In fact they should make it compulsory for every house owner / industry to have part of the power requirements met out of solar power. Something like conscription. They should have conical tarrif system with maximum per unit cost for non-solar compaliant consumers to minimum per unit cost for consumers who meet their maximum power requirements on their own. of course financing, repayment of capital borrowed etc., certainly have to be looked into in detail. May be banks have to get involved with some new product line up for solar power. Firt and foremost the subsidies should be done away with. it is counter productive in my opinion. most of them are more interested in the subsidy than actual installation and many installers too are keen to palm off something in order to increase sales by show casing the subsidy amounts to the consumers. This should go.


There is a solution
Chetan Shukla | Thu Jun 12 12:03:50 2014
I agree that Solar, Wind are alternatives that can reduce power problems but there are many forms of Renewable Energy that can be used besides Solar & Wind. Other alternatives are Geothermal, Biomass & Fuel Cells. The cheapest and quickest form is to adopt Biomass. Biomass is available in abundance, which needs to be collected and burnt through gasifier units. A Mini Micro Grid can distribute the power to areas where there is a shortage of Electricity. Another form of Biomass that can be used is Algae, which grows in 5-7 days and then can be harvested daily. Algae can be grown in Ponds and CO2 emissions from Thermal Power Plants, Cement Industries, Steel Plants, Textiles or even a smokestack is adequate to grow the algae. While doing this you are doing two things, one reducing CO2 in the atmosphere and the other providing Biomass for Power Generation. The Algal Biomass can be substituted instead of Coal in Thermal Power Plants to burn and produce Electricity. The emissions are clean because Algae does not give out any pollutants.


on regulation of consumption
kedaresh pentapati | Thu Jun 12 11:51:06 2014
In India on my observation the consumption of electricity is wasted in the following ways : by business advertisements etc. while advertising they will not see how much energy they waste. by distribution of pamphlets and maintaining show rooms with air conditioners,putting big banners in the out side with lights on through out the nights, using flex lighting boards,and neon bulbs etc. 1.with one lighting board energy we can light several streets in the city.the light is not fully transformed outside due to the outer layer of the cover etc. 2.the show room like cars, furniture,jewellery etc. they will consume the electricity even there 5 to 10 customers are there for them of there daily visit. 3.if we see news paper a 3/4th portion will be with advt.and cinema pictures which consumes a lot of paper and electricity. when for them if electricity will not be transformed automatically they will opt for alternate sources like solar,etc.. i can give a solution that i think good for the entire electricity consumption. if permitted me more space here thanking you


A good story. But where are the solutions
Arun Gupta | Thu Jun 12 05:20:26 2014
A nice story. I have myself been working on this segment since last 2.5 years now. The Qn is how to address the issue? Anti dumping laws on solar panels remind of late 80's & do not make logic when you have little internal capabilities. Privatization of grids can help on the issue. Other options can be different working hours for industries in different zones, ease FDI norms for power sector to reduce power cost, release of subsidy backlogs, federal guarantee of amounts payable by discoms for power purchased from private players, enforcement of RPO (which will actually ease requirement for federal subsidy and reduce tariffs in long run), uniform tariff policies. I have a lot more of such issues to discuss, but where is the forum? Sorry to say, but it all seems like an intellectual. 


Time to change strategy
A K Shyam | Thu Jun 12 04:56:39 2014
It is high time that we change our planning strategy - heavily loaded on coal and gas to a little extent. When we are blessed with such natural resources and Sunshine, it is vital to speedily realize that we need a "Holistic Planning" right away including all the options before us - Energy efficiency, Hybrid power, Biofuel combined with Renewable energy. Hope the Ministry of power would look at it far more seriously now that energy crisis is staring at the country.


Power to farmers
K.Mathisekaran | Thu Jun 12 04:29:22 2014
Dear Sir, where the producer fix the price except the field of agriculture.No land sealing for Industries but meant for Agri. when govt decide the Agri also one of the Industry, no farmers need frees. In current situation, the agri power cost to be paid by the Govt to EB to have the profitable EB business.In other words, power theft to be eliminated the pain is, every one in India, targetting the free power given to Agri. If addressed with quantified datas let us say xxx free power to Agree, YYY to Free power to rural Home, ZZZ theft is well and good, even with 60% accuracy.


I cant believe it.....coal is not the solution remember its ...2014
Luis Veloz | Wed Jun 11 20:30:13 2014
Why Don't you come together as a people And do like the philosopher saint of India Adi Shankaracharya and build in the 4 directions like he did but instead of building build nuclear reactors and give India's people the basic tool that they need to forge ahead and prosper.


Solar energy for Electric Power
Rodolfo Penzo | Wed Jun 11 19:27:18 2014
Today is the best time to implement an aggressive policy toward the utilization of Solar renewable in a large scale with immediate impact and long term. In order to meet India fast growing Electricity demand with the urgency that the situation requires, the National Solar Mission must incentive the production of Solar energy to make possible for business and industries will be able to obtain the benefits of abundant source of electricity which is inexhaustible, and pollution free. To provide a sustainable and reliable solution to the energy challenge, Action must be taken to allow United States companies in the Solar energy field, begin exporting as soon as possible Solar renewable technology for installation and commissioning. The use of Solar PV energy will guarantee energy self sufficiency, fostering economic and national security.It is urgent,urgent, urgent matter that can not be postponed anymore.


Generating solar power
Sanjay Chakravarty | Wed Jun 11 18:05:06 2014
It is often heard that solar power is a panacea of all ills around power. Yet, whenever implementation is discussed, I hear it is impractical, infeasible, etc. What is the real answer? And how can I, a common public, help? I am an IIT engineer with 27 yrs of industry experience in electronics. I want to help, but do not know how. Who should I approach? I have no idea. We need to take our wish to the next level of action.


Power woes for MSMEs
Nagesh L. Naidu | Wed Jun 11 18:02:54 2014
Let us tap all sources of power, solar, wind, wave power - from such a large coastline ! For eg. there is a volcao region at Barren Island close to Andaman, which could be harnessed to produce geothermal energy and whole of Andaman, Nicobar could be made energy self sufficient, at present precious coal and fossil fuels are ship borne to our islands, still lacking seriously in power. Harness as many IIT, NIT Graduates into cos., dealing with alternate power. Fishermen straying into unmarked boundary waters is a big police/naval/ political issue each day. Once proper GPS mapping of boundary over water between our SAARC nations arrived at, floating buoys with solar/wave powered lights can be installed with chains to seabed - this was already done by IIT Madras 35 years ago outside Chennai Harbour. These buoys can also have radio signals - where every registered fisher man has to have a battery/solar powered receiver - small as a cellphone which picks up signals from buoys and warns them when in range of borders. Stake holders/Profit areas have to be made to adopt power saving tech to contribute or we will see tiny countries like Vietnam Cambodia overtaking us in all spheres.



haasmukh jain | Wed Jun 11 18:00:20 2014
It is true that till now not much has been put effort to increase the power.so every person/ citizen of our country has to contribute some effort to produce energy.and not to depend on govt.every house should have solar power.


Solar Electricity
Raghava | Wed Jun 11 17:45:48 2014
Yes I will take solar based but how much viable are they, cost and service availability . Any concession for taking or using them. How much load can I get like eg: I want 35 HP can I get. How much space need to produce this energy and cost of the equipment


Solar energy for Electric Power
Rodolfo Penzo | Wed Jun 11 17:31:46 2014
Today is the best time to implement an aggressive policy toward the utilization of Solar renewable in a large scale with immediate impact and long term. In order to meet India fast growing Electricity demand with the urgency that the situation requires, the National Solar Mission must incentive the production of Solar energy to make possible for business and industries will be able to obtain the benefits of abundant source of electricity which is inexhaustible, and pollution free. To provide a sustainable and reliable solution to the energy challenge, Action must be taken to allow United States companies in the Solar energy field, begin exporting as soon as possible Solar renewable technology for installation and commissioning. The use of Solar PV energy will guarantee energy self sufficiency, fostering economic and national security.It is urgent,urgent, urgent matter that can not be postponed anymore.


Power woes
S R Rama Subbaiah | Wed Jun 11 15:21:16 2014
Management of Power with optimum utilisation of presently available infrastructures and additional generation with solar as well as new hydro projects possible with the challenging interlinking of rivers has to become the priority for the new Central Government. Water & Electricity constitute the fundamental requisites and aggressive steps quickly needs to be taken for removal from the chronic problem segment.


Power Woes
Prof Prasad PVLN | Wed Jun 11 15:09:47 2014
Mr Khosla, Your article is in the direction and many of us know that the solution lies not only in analysis but in finding solutions. We had White Revolution and then the Green Revolution to an extent. It is time we should have ENERGY Revolution. The BIGGEST asset India has in man power and there are many people in lower middle class. If properly used, this can trigger biggest power generation in the country. We can run free transport and free power to houses FOR THOSE WHO GENERATE IT MANUALLY. There can be vehicles provided by government with a driver but the power is generated from Magnetic power conversion to electricity by the riders of the vehicle. The community Grid can be established where Magnetic power can be transformed by the residents of the colony for their own benefit. Generating Electricity for the agricultural purpose also can on these lines, at least to a limited extent of LIGHTING their farm houses. There should be a DRIVING BODY set up by government but where VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS are to be made as partners. Methane Gas emanating from Garbage is also a good source and Government and Voluntary organizations to play a catalyst part in harnessing this energy for the common benefit as it is available anywhere and everywhere, both in Villages as well as Towns and Cities. REVERSE metering from home Solar generations at each house-level is the need of the hour. Instead of giving subsidy for FUEL CONSUMPTION, they should be better offered for POWER GENERATION.


Power Woes for MSMEs
Tejwant Navalkar | Wed Jun 11 08:07:03 2014
I agree that we need to focus on Solar Energy. To accelerate progress in this direction, we need to introduce Net Metering for Solar, whereby there would be differential rates for upload and download. By this approach, individual societies, commercial offices, institutions would be encouraged to install solar PV modules. Due to this de-centralized approach, the distribution losses would also be reduced, thereby reducing the burden on the Distribution companies.


Solar Power & power generated from waste.
Ashok J Kumbla | Wed Jun 11 07:54:02 2014
India being in the tropical belt has a great potential for Solar Power.The initial cost of solar power is high, due to the import of Reflectors and glass used particularly from Europe.If an equivalent product/technology is made in India , cost of production/unit would be drastically reduced, making the project viable. India generates waste in million of tons, due to its huge population. Power generation from waste is to be encouraged by inviting private players .


India's power crisis : Possible solutions
K R Nair | Wed Jun 11 07:05:51 2014
I recollect having seen articles in power crisis since my mid school days in seventies which continues to haunt uniformly every one regardless of his profession and occupation. As the author rightly said, it is true the situation has not slipped from bad to worse due to inherent generation vs demand gap but to a large extent it has been pushed to worse by changing government policies. Priorities to gain votes at the cost of endurance has brought the situation to this pathetic state. Apart from some of the solutions suggested in this article there are few other but more practical solutions are available in the basket but no takers: Look at the system efficiency of each state/provincial electricity system, some of them are in an appalling state.System efficiency has primarily two factors one condition of physical system and the other operation methods; both these are not desirable through out the nation. An improved power factor and efficient operational methods can bring drastic improvement to the situation (this is some thing available with us). There are many outdated components, power loss bleeding equipments those can be replaced by modern and state of art substitutes. Another important thing is existing design of the system. Apparently, many part of the system's existence is based on obsolete and out dated design. Very simple one can see where we are in respect of R & D, comparing other developing and developed nations. GDP loss is around 20 times of cost of power!!!


Regarding the role of NGO in power supply war
Ms.Gurpreet Kaur | Wed Jun 11 05:28:51 2014
I read the editorial which speaks about the sources of energy that human being has been using at an alarming rate for his selfish desires that he has made the indespensible part of his life. I am a teacher who offers private coaching and chairperson of an NGO in Patiala,who regularly teach these sources of energy as a subjective matter.It would be great if a workshop is created on solar energy, so that we are able to send the message through out the community. kindly, do something on that as i personally believe each us of us want to save this mother earth but how? They have no answers.I wish to enroll the present generation in this project Regards


Power woes for MSMEs
Ashok A S | Wed Jun 11 03:49:02 2014
This is not today's story. Every government has neglected these issues. It is one of the biggest drawbacks for the Indian Industry. It is high time the BJP Govt. at the center really does some thing seriously to solve this problem. When it comes to Solar energy, the situation is even more pathetic. Even though India enjoys 300 sunny days which can give lot of clean and reasonably good power, there are no R&D institutes working on this technology to enhance the conversion efficiency of the solar cells. Most of the these projects are under the Govt funding where lot of money goes down the drain in bureaucracy.


wind energy
Mr.Kiran Veer | Wed Jun 11 02:43:17 2014
Wind energy is also without pollution energy we can used substitute to other energy.its production cost is lower compare to other.


 
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