IUKAN Odisha Power Conclave 2016 receives positive response from Odisha Power Sector

India Utility Knowledge and Networking (IUKAN) Forum has announced that it had organized its maiden regional conclave at The Hotel Crown, Bhubaneshwar on 24 Feb 2016, with a focused agenda on “Power Sector Reforms – Building a power resilient Odisha with an aligned stakeholders”.

The conclave was inauguratedwith traditional lighting of the lamp at the hands of two stalwarts of the sectors, Mr. Anil Razdan, Ex-Secretary – Ministry of Power and Mr. B. C. Jena, Ex-Member – OERC (also Ex-CMD – OSEB).Mr. Jena, also Advisor to the conclave, initiated the proceedings with an evolution of Power Sector Reforms post independence, including establishment and roles of various entities in the sector value chain. He emphasised on the need for having stronger role to be played byRegulators in determining a fair and affordable tariff for consumers while at the same time ensuring that the generation, transmission and distribution companies get their legitimate due. He highlighted that the Regulator has to give special attention both at the Centre & State level and closely monitor the various activities to manage the complex issues in the power sector faced by Odisha.

Mr. Anil Razdan in his vision talkshared his thoughts for the overall state and developmentof Odisha’s Power Sector scenario.He stressed on availability of continuous power 24x365, and not just 24x7, for its consumers. He highlightedthat Odisha has potential and needs to increase renewable energy generation share including Solar, Wind, Hydro, etc. for meeting power demand. He also commented on the recent central government UDAY scheme and its viability for Odisha utilities.

The inaugural session was followed by first paneldiscussion on the topic of “Reenergizing Power Segment in India through right technology and use” chaired by Dr. Rahul Tongia, Fellow – Brookings India, Bangalore. The key panel speakers included Mr. Santosh Kumar Sahu, Addl. GM – Rural Electrification Corporation, Mr. Alfred Manohar, Head of Automation – EnzenGlobal Solutions and Prof. A. K. Tripathy, Fellow – Indian National Academy of Engineering. The panelsaw discussion of various technological solutions including renewable energy, primarily Solar, integration with grid, Smart Grid/Metering and its advantages to utility employees andimportance of Power Quality – an imperative for Discom Management.

The second panel discussion was on the topic of “Imminent practices to surge Distribution segment in India” and was chaired by Mr. Hemant Sharma, IAS CMD – GRIDCO & OPTCL. The key panel speakers included Mr. Arup Ghosh, Senior Advisor – Tata Power DDL, Mr. Ram Mundra, CEO – Essel Utilities Distribution Business and Mr. DebasisMohapatra, Associate Director – PwC India. The panel discussion sawcomparison of key reform models, best practices in franchisee management, structuring of contracts,people management and process management in Utilities.

The conclave was well attended by 90+ participants from all key stakeholders of Odisha Power Sector including organizations Odisha Energy Regulatory Commission, GRIDCO, Odisha Power Transmission Co. Limited, State Load Dispatch Center, CESU, SOUTHCO, WESCO, NESCO, Private Franchisee operators, Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agencyand others. pManifold – a utility consulting firm – was the lead organizer of the event while Enzen Global Solutions, operating around 5 franchisees in Odisha,was the Strategic Partner for the conclave. Other partners to the IUKAN event includedIndia Smart Grid Forum, Asia Power Quality Initiative, Indian Energy Exchange, Indian Indian Institute of Technology – Madras, India Energy Storage Alliance,Energetica and KIIT University.