Case study of agricultural demand side management project (Ag DSM) at Doddaballapur sub-division, Karnataka
Student name: Mr Sunil Kumar Reddy Indla
Guide: Dr V V N Kishore
Year of completion: 2011
Host Organisation: Enzen Global Solutions
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Uma Rajarathnam
Abstract: India’s agriculture sector consumes about 30% of the electricity sold and represents
as much as 40% of the connected load. Existing subsidized electricity tariffs for
farmers lead to use of inefficient pump sets, excess usage of pumps, which in turn
lead to ground water depletion and financial losses to utilities. At the national level,
the burden of subsidy on the agriculture sector is to the tune of Rs 40,000 crores.
Agriculture Demand Side Management (AgDSM) promises immense opportunity to
reduce overall power consumption, improving efficiencies of ground water
extraction and reduce the subsidy burden of utilities without sacrificing the service
obligation to this sector. As per reported estimates, at the national level AgDSM can
result in the savings of 30 billion units of electricity annually.
Enzen in association with BESCOM is implementing a pilot project on AgDSM in
Doddaballapura, Bangalore on ESCO model, wherein capital investment will be
borne by Enzen and revenue is based on energy savings. 647 submersible pump sets
are covered under this programme. Each pump set is provided with a separate
transformer and an energy meter. HVDS (High Voltage Distribution System) is
installed in the system to ensure the quality power supply.
In addition to the main objective of energy saving, the project will help in improving
power quality, reducing water depletion; reducing carbon emissions, promoting
awareness on best practices in farming, etc. The project has a multidimensional
approach addressing energy crisis, environmental issues, better agricultural practices
and good governance. It will be a good case study to showcase the benefits of
public-private partnership in bringing transformation in agriculture and livelihood of
rural India.
