Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital transformation for energy management and automation, has partnered with South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) to modernise and enhance Bihar’s power distribution network. This collaboration represents a major milestone in delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions to the state.
The increasing energy demand in Bihar posed a significant challenge for SBPDCL, necessitating urgent modernisation efforts to ensure seamless and uninterrupted power distribution. Managing the electrical distribution system effectively became crucial to addressing these concerns and enhancing the overall reliability of power supply for consumers.
Schneider Electric’s advanced EcoStruxure Grid solutions played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, offering robust monitoring capabilities and ensuring continuous operational uptime. As a result of this partnership, power reliability has seen an impressive 90% improvement, while energy consumption savings have reached up to 80%, and energy cost savings have gone up to 60%. Additionally, engineering cost and time optimisation improved by 70%, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, Schneider Electric and MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with South Bihar Power Distribution Co. reflects our commitment to providing innovative, sustainable, and energy-efficient solutions that empower utilities to meet growing energy demands. By leveraging our EcoStruxure Grid technology, we aim to create a future-ready power distribution system, contributing to South Bihar’s economic and infrastructural growth. This partnership also underscores Schneider Electric’s commitment to accelerating India’s energy transition and empowering utilities with smart, sustainable, and scalable solutions. Together, we are committed to accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient Grid of the Future.”
Udai Singh, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd and Vice President – Power Systems, Schneider Electric India, highlighted the impact of their technology in transforming SBPDCL’s power distribution network. “Our EcoStruxure Grid Solutions have successfully turned SBPDCL’s power distribution network into a modern, efficient, and resilient system. By integrating advanced technologies such as real-time monitoring, GIS-based network mapping, and automated fault detection, we have ensured a more reliable power supply for the people of South Bihar. This partnership not only addresses current energy challenges but also paves the way for a sustainable and future-ready energy ecosystem that supports the region’s growth.”
A spokesperson from SBPDCL emphasised the importance of this initiative in meeting South Bihar’s growing energy demands. “With the increasing need for energy in South Bihar, we required a solution that would not only ensure uninterrupted power distribution but also optimise our operational efficiency. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Grid solutions have enabled us to achieve these goals, benefiting both our consumers and the state.”
As part of the project, Schneider Electric established a state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre and a Disaster Recovery Centre, allowing real-time monitoring and decision-making for improved grid connectivity and reliability. The deployment included 305 Ring Main Units (RMUs) to enhance distribution power reliability and 550 Fault Passage Indicators (FPIs) on overhead lines to improve fault detection and response times.
