BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) has been at the forefront of implementing state-of-the-art information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) solutions to enhance operational efficiency and consumer services, as well as optimise network operations and maintenance. Key advanced technologies embraced by the utility include distribution and energy resource management systems, automated demand response and drone monitoring. Further, BRPL plans to facilitate the full roll-out of smart meters for real-time data collection, set up a grid battery energy storage system to enhance grid stability, and leverage artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and low voltage internet of things (IoT) for predictive maintenance and smarter energy management.
Size and growth
The number of consumers served by BRPL has increased from 0.97 million in 2002-03 to 3.08 million in 2023-24, representing a significant growth of 218 per cent. Consumer density has increased from 1,404 consumers per sq. km to 4,454 consumers per sq. km, indicating a substantial growth in the density of consumers.
In 2002-03, there were 132 extra high voltage (EHV) feeders and 674 ckt km of EHV lines/cables, along with 146 power transformers. By 2023-24, these numbers had grown to 269 feeders, 1,310 ckt km of lines/cables and 284 power transformers. Distribution transformer capacity has increased from 2,587 MVA to 7,107 MVA in the same period. Further, the number of grids has increased from 63 in 2002-03 to 108 in 2023-24.
Operational performance
BRPL has significantly reduced aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses from 51.5 per cent to 6.61 per cent from 2002-03 to 2023-24, indicating a major improvement in efficiency. Further, for 2023-24, BRPL reported a system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) of 1.65 hours and a system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI) of 2.44. Lower SAIDI and SAIFI values highlight improved reliability and fewer disruptions in the power supply.
In REC Limited’s third Consumer Service Ratings of Discoms (CSRD) for 2022-23 report, BRPL achieved benchmark A+ ratings, setting a new standard in consumer service excellence. As per the CSRD report, BRPL provides 24 hours of power supply, compared to the national average of 23.59 hours. It has a distribution transformer failure rate of 0.2 per cent, significantly lower than the national average of 5.8 per cent. BRPL processes 100 per cent of applications online, compared to the national average of 89 per cent. It generates 99 per cent of bills through non-manual reading, compared to the national average of 30 per cent. Additionally, 89 per cent of BRPL consumers pay bills digitally, significantly higher than the national average of 38 per cent. This indicates a more reliable, efficient and customer-centric electricity distribution service in BRPL’s service area.
Technology implementation
Initially, in 2004, the utility had implemented foundational technologies such as the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for remote grid monitoring and control, automated meter reading for key consumers, and energy audits along with distribution transformer metering to monitor energy losses. They achieved 100 per cent electronic metering and downloading, even for single-phase meters, which improved billing accuracy and data reliability.
In 2008, the utility progressed by adopting more advanced solutions, such as geographical information systems (GIS) for digital mapping of assets, meter data analytics to analyse metering data for enhanced efficiency, and an outage management system (OMS) to streamline response times and reduce service downtime. They also introduced the high voltage distribution system and aerial bundled conductors, which helped enhance distribution efficiency and reduce power losses.
By 2012, the utility integrated more sophisticated technologies, including GIS-based substations for advanced asset management, smart pre-paid metering and meter billing over GPRS for remote billing data transmission. They also supported renewable energy integration through rooftop solar and net metering, allowing consumers to feed excess solar energy back into the grid.
From 2017 to 2022, the utility embraced emerging technologies such as the distribution management system, distributed energy resource management system and automated demand response, which helped enhance control over the grid, especially with the integration of distributed energy resources. Infrastructure to support e-mobility and electric vehicle (EV) chargers was also introduced, along with drone technology for maintenance and monitoring, and WhatsApp services to improve
customer engagement.
Looking ahead, the utility’s future plans include deploying an advanced distribution management system (ADMS) to further automate and control grid operations, the full roll-out of smart meters for real-time data collection, and a grid battery energy storage system to enhance grid stability. The utility also plans to leverage AI, ML and low voltage IoT for predictive maintenance, smarter energy management and enhanced customer experience.
Adoption of IT and OT in BRPL
BRPL has been actively working on IT and OT convergence at the grid level, with the primary objective of providing a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to its end consumers. To achieve this, it has adopted an advanced OT solution by implementing SCADA across all its EHV grid substations. This set-up enables the real-time monitoring of operational events within the OT system, allowing for immediate decision-making, reduced capital and operational costs and enhanced power supply reliability. Through SCADA, BRPL can swiftly identify and address potential issues, minimising downtime and ensuring efficient grid operations.
In addition to the SCADA system, BRPL has pursued deeper IT and OT integration by linking OT events with its GIS server and other IT infrastructure via the integrated OMS application. This convergence allows data from both IT and OT domains to be seamlessly shared, analysed and acted upon, creating a more resilient and responsive grid management system. The integration provides a holistic view of the grid, facilitates predictive maintenance and improves outage management, thereby optimising asset performance and customer satisfaction.
Further, with approximately 1,800 11 kV feeders and around 11,000 ring main units (RMUs), BRPL is working to automate its feeder-level network and enable SCADA-based control and visibility. As part of this initiative, motorised RMUs equipped with feeder remote terminal units (FRTUs) and substation integration modules (SSIMs) are being installed to integrate with SCADA. This integration allows for real-time tracking of fault passage indicators and other network switch statuses within SCADA, facilitating more informed switching and isolation decisions.
Over the next three years, BRPL plans to install approximately 2,500-2,800 motorised RMUs with FRTUs and complete the installation of around 8,800 SSIMs on conventional RMUs across all feeders, aiming to achieve full automation. Currently, 40 per cent of BRPL’s feeders are fully automated and compliant with ADMS standards. To support this transition, BRPL’s field and SCADA operation teams are undergoing training and upskilling to utilise SCADA for efficient isolation and restoration processes. This initiative has already yielded significant improvements, reducing average power restoration time from around 45-50 minutes to approximately 15-25 minutes, enhancing service reliability and responsiveness.
Efficient IT-OT convergence can significantly enhance operational efficiency across various areas such as network operations, outage management, planned shutdowns, capital expenditure planning, reactive power management, load flow analysis and power scheduling. With the implementation of smart meters, utilities will have access to real-time data from millions of consumers at the low tension (LT) level. This wealth of information can be stored in servers for continuous monitoring. By leveraging AI and ML algorithms, this data can be transformed into actionable insights, aiding in more effective operations and planning. Smart applications for field staff can further streamline distribution processes, improving overall efficiency.
Challenges and the way forward
BRPL’s adoption of IT and OT solutions faces several challenges. The key issues include interoperability and integration problems between IoT devices and the central SCADA system, as well as the scalability of existing solutions. There is also a lack of standardised cybersecurity management tools for OT systems, alongside the need for robust infrastructure to ensure compliance with cybersecurity norms and testing. Additionally, managing the transition in the HT/LT network and fostering a culture of change can be difficult. Staff training and the development of the necessary expertise are also significant concerns. Further, ensuring safety when adopting fully automated ADMS and obtaining regulatory approvals for new technologies are crucial factors limiting the rapid adoption of IT and OT in utilities.
Additionally, the rising share of renewable generation, which introduces unpredictable fluctuations, complicates power scheduling. To address this, BRPL is leveraging AI-and ML-based applications for more accurate demand forecasting and scheduling. The growing fleet of EVs and e-buses, with their variable demand patterns, presents another challenge. However, gathering historical data and utilising AI applications will aid in managing this demand over the long term.
The integration of solar generation and the shift of consumers to prosumers further complicate demand forecasting. There is a need for training existing field and operation staff to adapt to new technologies and skill sets. To support this, the National Power Training Institute and original equipment manufacturers are collaborating to develop training programmes and establish standardised certification processes, ensuring that the workforce is equipped for these evolving challenges.
BRPL’s strategic implementation of advanced technologies, IT-OT integration and focus on customer-centric services has positioned it as a leader in Delhi’s power distribution space. Moving forward, overcoming interoperability, cybersecurity and workforce training challenges will be essential for sustaining reliable, efficient and future-ready
grid operations.