Behavioural Dimensions in Indian Power sector

On 24th September 2020, 02:00 PM – 05:30 PM IST

TERI organised a webinar on "Behavioural Dimensions in Indian Power sector" on 24th September, as the dissemination activity for the three inter-linked research studies undertaken by TERI and supported by Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The focus of the studies was on undertaking a detailed end-use assessment of energy (electricity in particular) demand in India, integrate disaggregated demands with regional supply to explore low carbon growth for India and identify the role of information and market based instruments to promote energy efficient appliances in the residential sector. The webinar had two sessions with specific theme presentations followed by panel discussions and a question-answer round. The event commenced with introductory remarks and welcome address by the Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, TERI and a special address by Ms. Camilla Dannevig, Counsellor, Norwegian Embassy in India. Another special address was delivered by Mr Jitendra Nalwaya, vice president, BYPL at the beginning of the second session.

The theme presentations of the first session focussed on the importance of detailed end-use demand estimates and need for understanding the factors responsible for variable appliance ownership and usage patterns specifically in the residential sector and also presented the findings of the survey that was undertaken. Additionally, the presentation on the Pilot TIMES model depicted the strength of the modelling framework to examine the sensitivity of load variation (across regions and sectors) on overall and regional resource use patterns and storage requirements in the Indian power sector. The presentation had also highlighted the relevance of this study in context of the growing importance of the power sector in India’s energy sector transition towards achieving low carbon growth for Indian economy. The panellists brought in the Norwegian experience and supported the relevance of this work and reiterated that this could help to fill important gaps in the Indian modelling and policy context.

The chair of the second session, Mr Nitya Nanda, Director, Council for Social Development, highlighted the timeliness of the discussions related to behavioural dimensions due to the drastic changes in consumer behaviour owing to COVID19 situation. The theme presentation highlighted the importance of energy efficiency in residential sector and role of information and market based instruments to promote energy efficiency in the residential sector. The main attributes affecting the behaviour of the consumers were identified as the cost of the appliances, willingness of the consumers and relevant policies and programmes. The session concluded that framing and implementing of various awareness and incentive schemes was important to motivate the consumers towards adoption of energy efficient appliances.