Energetica India Magazine: september 2020

Jaideep Mukherji CEO, Smart Power India “To ensure uninterrupted quality and reliable electricity access, there is a need to focus on the demand side problems, especially, poor customer service and inadequate distribution network.” What is the motive behind formation of Smart Power India, its vision, and achievements so far? Shed some light on it in brief. J aideep M ukherji : Smart Power India, a subsidiary of The Rockefeller Foundation, was established in India in 2015 with the aim of extending power to those without sufficient access to reliable and quality electricity. Our vision is to drive economic progress by ensuring reliable electricity is accessible for all, especially among the underserved communities in rural India. In order to achieve this goal, SPI is working to build and nurture ecosystems that promote sustainable and scalable models for delivering reliable electricity. We have been working very close- ly with a wide range of stakeholders to develop the ecosystem needed to conceptualise, catalyse, develop, and scale up the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) mini-grid sector in India. Our efforts and interventions in ensuring reliable and quality electricity have led to the following positive changes in the rural communities: In the last 5 years, we have been able to set up more than 300 renewable energy mini-grids cumulating to 9.2 MW of capacity across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. The electrici- ty from these grids is transforming the lives of more than 2,49,777 people, by not only provid- ing electricity for lighting but also powering fans, electric pump-sets, appliances, and motors for productive uses, says Jaideep Mukherji , CEO, Smart Power India, an arm of The Rockefel- ler Foundation, in an exclusive interview with Manu Tayal , Associate Editor, Energetica In- dia. Mr Jaideep discussed in detail about various topics including the role of mini-grids in Covid-19 scenario, their significance in rural India, possible solutions for Discoms distress etc. 20 energetica INDIA- September_2020 INTERVIEW