Is feeder separation the right solution? | Electric Power Distribution

Many states (MadhyaPradesh) in India have implemented and more (Andhra, Bihar) are planning to adopt Feeder Separation of electricity feeders at 33 and 11kV – the intent being to provide separate feeders for residential and non-residential consumers with a major focus on improving reliable power supply for residential consumers and need-based power for non-residential consumers (majority agriculture). This is also expected to better allow controls and monitoring, effective and efficient use of available power (demand and supply side management) and infrastructure and will also provide better transparency in terms of the impact of subsidies and thereby enable fair tariff management.

The implementation of this scheme involves physically duplicating infrastructure – one for the residential feeders and one for non-residential feeders. This requires additional poles and conductor to be installed resulting in increased space for these expanded equipment. The project implementation also involves few years of time.

In the present context of Smart Grids, why would Indian Utilities T&D arms go for this physical feeder separation route to achieve their intent is little difficult to understand. Besides the difficulty in understanding, it also seems a misspend of resources on an effort that can achieved more meaningfully, effectively, efficiently and in a sustained manner through other means.  Smart Grid offers that alternate approach.

The Smart Grid concept, if implemented after due adaption to the intent, will allow control and metering of individual sections of the network. Modifications will be needed in the network to incorporate smart metering equipment, control devices (circuit breakers. Switches, fuses) and provision of a new communication network. The benefits of implementing the smart grid concept is the scalability,  ease of integration to other parts of the network, ease of integration into other smart initiatives in the power sector (including smart city), dynamic demand side and supply side management. The implementation of the smart grid technology will take lesser time than the feeder separation project. Besides the time, it would avoid use of additional land space and return on investment would make it cost effective too. Thus, Smart Grid technology, while ensuring that intent of feeder separation are met will also lend additional benefits.

Agencies considering the adoption of feeder separation project as a means to achieving their intent may consider implementing an adapted version of Smart Grid Technology as a worthy and better alternative. This will keep the network ‘Smart Ready’ for integration when Smart City concept becomes a reality in every state in India.