Workshop on demand flexibility and power system analytics
Imperial College London
17th and 18th November
Organized by
Overview
Researchers at Imperial College London are collaborating with leading Indian institutions like Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and MP Ensystems Advisory Pvt Ltd. As this topic is of interest from the ongoing discussions on demand flexibility, resource adequacy and market designs to embed more renewable energy in the country, we are creating common research topics for India based and UK based researchers. We are also inviting other experts in this field to Imperial.
We aim for the deliberations at the proposed workshop to result in the creation of regulatory sandboxes with deeper data analytics
Themes
Power sector regulations
Demand flexibility model
Interoperability and digital Economy
Power market innovation
Our Cohort
Academia
Researchers
Regulators
Practitioners
Start-up community
System operators
RESOURCES & BLOG
-
![]()
Cost Effectiveness Assessment (CEA) tests for Demand Response program
Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) need to evaluate the impact of Demand Flexibility (DF) and Demand Response (DR) programs using standard tests such as the Total Resource Cost (TRC), Ratepayer Impact Measure (RIM), and Long-Term Resource Impact Measure (LTRIM). In addition to these mandatory tests, supplementary evaluations including the Participant Cost Test (PCT), Societal Cost Test (SCT), and Aggregator Cost Test have been incorporated in the Excel tool to provide a comprehensive assessment of program impacts from different stakeholder perspectives.
As per Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commissions Demand Flexibility and Demand Side Management regulations 2024, evaluation criteria for standard tests are as follows:
Total Resource Cost (TRC) as the main hurdle test: All DF / DSM programs that show positive number for the Net Present Value (NPV) of the Benefits over the NPV of Costs should be considered for evaluation of RIM test
Ratepayer Impact Measure (RIM) test: DF / DSM programs that show positive number when NPV of the Benefits over the Costs for the Ratepayers are considered should be implemented
Life-cycle Revenue Impact – RIM (LRIRIM test): DF / DSM programs that do not show positive number for RIM test should be implemented if the tariff impact due to the implementation of the DF / DSM programs is less than Rs. 0.005/kWh or less than 0.05% of the existing tariff, whichever is higher. All the energy savings numbers should be corrected for power shortages, if any.
-
![]()
100% Renewable Energy franchisee model for rural region
As per the definition in the Electricity Act, 2003, “A franchisee means a person authorised by a distribution licensee to distribute electricity on its behalf in a particular area within his area of supply.”
A DF involves a third party authorized by the DISCOM to manage electricity distribution tasks such as meter reading, billing, revenue collection, and network maintenance. The franchisee operates under a specific payment and incentive model based on performance, loss reduction, or revenue targets. This arrangement aims to improve the operational efficiency and financial health of the distribution network while meeting service quality standards.
-
![]()
Demand flexibility to drive demand side management programs
Traditionally, the shape of the electricity load curve remained largely unchanged in India, with only the overall quantum of demand increasing over time. To manage this growing demand, energy efficiency (EE) programs were introduced to slow down the rapid upward shift of the load curve by promoting more efficient energy use.
However, in recent years, the load curve has not only been shifting upwards but also changing in shape due to evolving consumption patterns and the integration of renewable energy sources. RE share in the generation mix is rapidly increasing to meet Renewable Purchase Obligation targets, which in turn limits flexibility on the generation side. Additionally, RE sources are designated as must-run power plants, meaning their generation cannot be curtailed under normal conditions. As a result, distribution licensees must approach demand forecasting differently, considering the net demand—which is the total demand minus RE generation—rather than the absolute demand curve.
This transformation necessitates additional strategies beyond energy efficiency to help electricity distribution companies (Discom) manage demand more effectively. To address this challenge, demand response and demand flexibility concepts have been introduced.
Demand Response (DR) involves actively modulating electricity demand in real time. Consumers either reduce or increase their power consumption based on grid requirements, often in response to price signals or incentives. This helps in balancing supply and demand, especially during peak load periods or when renewable energy availability fluctuates.
Demand Flexibility (DF) Unlike demand response, which directly adjusts the level of consumption, demand flexibility focuses on shifting electricity usage to different time periods without altering the total demand. This means rescheduling energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours, optimizing grid efficiency, and reducing strain during peak times.
-
![]()
Time-of-Day Tariffs: Matching Load Curves and Solar Energy generation across Indian states
Time of Day (ToD) tariffs are effective tools in energy management, particularly in countries like India, where the electricity demand is rapidly increasing. These tariffs are designed to vary the cost of electricity based on the time it is consumed, offering lower rates during off-peak hours and higher rates during periods of peak demand. This system not only incentivizes consumers to shift their energy usage to off-peak times but also helps in integrating renewable energy into the grid, improving the overall stability of the power system.
The Evolution of ToD Tariffs in India
India's journey toward adopting ToD tariffs began with legislative support through the Electricity Act of 2003. This act allowed for the differentiation of tariffs based on various factors, including the time of use. The National Electricity Policy of 2005 further advocated the establishment of time-differentiated tariffs, particularly for large consumers. More recently, Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2023 have emphasized the importance of smart meters and data analytics in creating more efficient tariff systems.
Current ToD Tariff Landscape in India
According to the Ministry of Power, ToD tariffs now cover High Tension (HT) customers across India, with a future scope to extend these tariffs to rural and urban commercial users and EV consumers. As of now, about 16 states have adopted ToD tariffs, though their application and effectiveness vary.
The key challenge with the existing ToD structure is its misalignment with actual consumer behavior and energy availability. In many cases, consumers do not fully benefit from solar hours, which are considered off-peak, and peak hours tend to focus more on traditional evening demand periods rather than midday solar generation peaks.
Currently, in India it's mandatory of states to have ToD rates for industries above 10kw connection.
-
![]()
Summary of Economic Survey 2024-25
India has performed well on the renewable energy front, achieving a cumulative 82.6 GW of installed solar power capacity at the end of April 2024. As of May 31, 2024, non-fossil fuel sources consist of 45% of the total installed electricity generation capacity in India. Additionally, the framework for Sovereign Green Bonds has enabled resource mobilisation for green projects. The government has raised Rs 36,000 crore via sovereign green bonds in 2023. The Survey noted that India faces a dual challenge of meeting its energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. Phasing in of non-fossil fuel sources has remained a challenge for India, amplifying the need for a diversified set of energy sources. This is expected to help India pursue its low-emission pathways and help minimise risks associated with energy systems. Availability and affordability of financial resources will drive the green transition.
The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) projects aim to enhance renewable energy integration into India's power grid. GEC-I is operational in eight states, achieving 9,111 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 21,303 MVA substations, while GEC-II is under implementation in seven states.
The New Solar Power Scheme, launched on January 4, 2024, focuses on electrifying 100,000 un-electrified households in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) across 18 states and one Union Territory using off-grid solar systems.
As of March 31, 2024, the PM-KUSUM initiative has solarized 3.26 lakh agricultural pumps, and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme aims to boost solar PV module manufacturing with a ₹24,000 crore budget.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved in January 2023, targets 5 million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen production by 2030. Challenges in the renewable energy sector include financing and land acquisition. Additionally, the e-mobility sector is supported by various schemes, including the PLI Scheme for automobile components and the FAME Scheme for electric vehicles, aiming to enhance manufacturing and demand for electric mobility solutions.
-
![]()
Summary of announcements on sustainability in the Union Budget 2024-25
The Union Budget 2024-25 has placed a strong emphasis on nuclear energy as a key component of India's future power mix. The government plans to partner with the private sector to develop Bharat Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and invest in research and development of newer nuclear technologies.
The budget also allocates significant funds to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to provide subsidized rooftop solar installations to one crore households, offering 300 units of free electricity per month. This scheme has already generated remarkable responses with over 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications.
To enhance renewable energy integration, the government will introduce a Pumped Storage Policy and partner with NTPC and BHEL to establish an 800 MW power plant based on Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) technology. The budget also announces the establishment of a Critical Mineral Mission to secure essential resources for the energy transition.
These initiatives, along with measures to promote energy efficiency and carbon markets, demonstrate India's comprehensive strategy to balance growth, employment, and environmental sustainability in its pursuit of a resilient energy future
-
![]()
Presentation on Targeted Project Proposals - Options available to the cities
Climate Centre for Cities (C-CUBE) at the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in association with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), Asia conducted a training regional workshop on Accessing Climate Finance. The workshop was conducted to help cities understand the financial mechanisms available for development climate actions for cities. The workshop was organized under the NIUA’s efforts to celebrate the U20 technical secretariat activities on priority areas of “Accelerating Climate Finance”.
MP Ensystems gave a presentation on Targeted Project Proposals - Options available to the cities. Click on full report to access the Presentation given at the workshop.
-
![]()
Accelerating the shift to renewable energy: The power of Consumer action (Case study: Hot water generation) : MPEnsystems Team
When we speak of the power sector there is a significant emphasis on topics like the role of renewable energy, how we generate power, what is the current generation mix etc. However, a crucial aspect that is often overlooked is the consumer.
-
![]()
How behind-the-meter efforts can help India achieve decarbonization goals
A suite of smart solutions is needed to bring the power sector planners to think about what happens behind the meter with consumers being a part of the solution.
-
![]()
Markets offer a way around the messy problem of natural resource management
As the squeeze on natural resources continues to grow in coming years and decades, resource management will hinge on the ability to balance demand and supply while adhering to environmentally-conscious targets.
-
![]()
Rural economic revival hinges on resolving the water-energy nexus in farming
Translating India’s undoubted potential for self-sufficiency will have to begin with addressing these gaps, particularly in agriculture which still remains India’s biggest livelihood.
-
![]()
Electricity Markets with Dr Mahesh Patankar - Understanding the Future: Podcast
We explore the topic of electricity markets in India, its transmission infrastructure as well as how they function.
-
![]()
Enhancing Consumer Experience in the Indian Electricity Sector
Consumer experience will play a vital role in this structural transformation. Watch the panel of esteemed guests discuss how consumer experience can be improved given the rapid transformation affecting the electricity sector.
OUR CLIENTELE
VIDEOS
OUR PROJECTS
ON-GOING PROJECTS
-
![]()
Greening of Rural Value Chains – Phase II (Maharashtra)
The project aims to develop renewable energy-based farm-to-fork value chains that generate alternative livelihoods and create resilient local economies in Vidarbha region. Key interventions include technology demonstrations, skilling of local workforce, and designing RE-powered processing solutions for agriculture and horticulture value chains. The project also explores 100% RE-based franchisee models and policy innovations to support large-scale and decentralized renewable energy deployment.
-
![]()
Solarisation of MSMEs in the state of Maharashtra
Solarization of MSMEs is a program which is designed to streamline and implement Rooftop Solar Systems (RTS) within the MSME sector in the state of Maharashtra. The collective aim of this project is to install a total of 400 MW of rooftop solar systems on MSMEs across the state through a PPP model known as Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model.
-
![]()
SEforALL - Demand flexibility program
The SEforALL - Demand Flexibility Program aims to establish a framework for DF implementation. It focuses on supporting the drafting of DF regulations, assisting discoms, creating a DF model to assess state-level potential, developing standard templates, documenting national and international examples of DF initiatives, building a complete ecosystem for DF from regulation, implementation and evaluation perspective. The project seeks to create replicable models that can be scaled across India, encouraging a national environment for DF adoption.
-
![]()
Load Research- Tata Power Mumbai
The ongoing load research study has analyzed consumer demand, identifying key factors that influence consumption patterns. By evaluating renewable energy integration, the study is assessing its implications on Tata Power's power purchase costs. Smart meter and AMR data from the past two financial years are being used to develop seasonal, daily, and consumer-level load profiles, evaluate consumer contributions during different time slots, and formulate demand flexibility/demand response (DF/DR) program implementation strategies. Consumer surveys provide critical insights into willingness to participate in Demand Response (DR) programs, as well as appliance and end-use-level flexibility potential. This report serves as a reference for designing future DF/DR programs.
-
![]()
PEAK (Portal for Environmental Analytics and Knowledge)
The Portal for Environmental Analytics and Knowledge (PEAK) is an initiative of MP Ensystems Advisory Private Limited. PEAK has curated a certification program to give students and early stage professionals an insight into the world of sustainability and relevant environmental issues that they may not have had exposure to in their regular courses. Students will have access to experts who have decades-long experience in sectors such as sustainable energy, urban mobility, public transport, agriculture etc. The course gives students access to information, reports, presentations and videos, provides them with a platform to interact with experts and other students, test them on their knowledge and provide internships to selected students. Initial training sessions conducted in 2020 attracted over 1000 registrations. Please write in to us at [email protected] to know more.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
MEET OUR TEAM
Board of Directors
-
Dr. Mahesh Patankar
Founder and Managing Director
-
Aalok Deshmukh
Director
-
Dr. Sudhir Kumar Goel
Senior Strategy Advisor
-
Dr. Nita Sarang
Director
Senior Advisors & Leadership Team
-
Dr. Sanjay Varma
Senior Project Advisor
-
Arijit Maitra
Senior Project Advisor
-
Dr. Koshy Cherail
Senior Project Advisor
-
Shekhar Khadilkar
Senior Project Advisor
-
Amit Oke
Senior Project Advisor
-
Ajit Koushik
Director
-
Mathew Abraham
Senior Advisor
-
Ira Athale Prem
Product Manager - Climakosh
-
Prajkta Adhikari
Associate Director - Value Chains and Outreach
-
Abhinav Apte
Associate Director - Deployments
Core Team
-
Smitha Lobo
Senior Manager - Operations and HR
-
Yashraj Gore
Programme Manager - Power Utilities and Renewables
-
Kaustubh Arekar
Manager - Power Utilities
-
Asmita Ekawade
Programme Coordinator - GIS and Stakeholder Engagements
-
Hiralkumar Patel
Modelling Expert
-
Swati Jha
Programme Coordinator - Renewables
-
Protyusa Paul
Programme Assistant - Mobility and Resource Efficiency
-
Aniket Shinde
Programme Assistant - Field Assessment
-
Aditya Khedkar
Programme Coordinator - Value-Chains
-
Shubham Bhamare
Programme Assistant - Power Utilities
-
Arshit Awasthi
Programme Assistant - Databases
-
Swapnil Deo
Programme Assistant - Data Management
-
Payal Patil
Systems Engineer
-
Santosh Tambat
Office Coordinator
-
Sheetam Parab
Office Coordinator
-
Rutuja Pokharkar
Site Coordinator
Associates
-
Dr. Arvind MT
Senior Project Advisor
-
Dr. Anoop Kulkarni
Senior Project Advisor
CAREERS
-
Project Coordinator
Greening of Rural Value Chains (GRVC sector) at MP Ensystems Advisory Pvt. Ltd.
-
Project Coordinator
Electricity and Utilities at MP Ensystems Advisory Pvt. Ltd.
-
Analyst
Greening of Rural Value Chains (GRVC sector) at MP Ensystems Advisory Pvt. Ltd.
WHAT’S NEW?
MP Ensystems has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK based company GridDuck, who provides an online dashboard connecting affordable and easy-to-install wireless sensors and switches. GridDuck system puts the user in control with the ability to monitor, automate and balance the energy consumption.