April 14, 2015: Tata Power Delhi Distributing (TPDDL) has been accredited with ‘SP 1A’ by ICRA, one of India’s leading rating agencies. The citation has been credited to TPDDL’s for its commitment towards ‘Highest Performance Capability’ and ‘Highest Financial Strength’ to undertake solar projects. While providing the rating, the credit agency considered several strengths of TPDDL like financial flexibility and strengths arising from its status as a 51 percent subsidiary of Tata Power, strengths arising out of an experienced team of technocrats and investment / finance professionals, feedback from the customers and suppliers that has been satisfactory, healthy net worth and strong financial profile, demonstrated execution capability by successfully commissioning 1.65MW of solar power plants, etc. The grading is valid for a period of two years from March 2, 2015.
TPDDL is also getting empanelled with Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) as channel partner for implementation of grid connected rooftop systems across the country. TPDDL has also recently obtained approval from the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission for facilitating solar project implementation for consumers in Delhi.
TPDDL has estimated a potential of approx. 400MWp of solar roof top capacity in its licenced area for Delhi consumers capable of generating 883MW. To promote solar energy in Delhi, as a first step, it has invited techno-commercial proposals from reputed organizations for installation of solar projects of tentative value of Rs 120 crore this Financial year. TPDDL is exploring competitive prices through open bidding and use in-house technical capabilities for execution of various solar plants. This will be further scaled up in subsequent years in line with national and state solar policies.
TPDDL can now provide single window services starting with initial site survey, designing, installation, feasibility and commissioning of solar plant at consumer doorstep in accordance with the stipulated norms. It will also ensure reliable output and optimum generation of solar units installed through 5 to 10 years maintenance contract including assistance to the consumers for obtaining MNRE subsidy. Its consumer care centres and call centre will provide facilitation at each step.
Speaking on the development, Praveer Sinha, chief executive officer and executive director, TPDDL, said, “We have been active participants for the development of the solar energy sector in the country. The ‘SP 1A’ certification from ICRA is a testimony of our effort for the same. The rating will also encourage and motivate us to continue our effort for further enhancing the overall efficiency through the use of cleaner power.”
TPDDL has started its solar journey in 2008 and today it has 15 solar plants installed in its licence area with total capacity of 1.65MW. The most significant in the line is the mega watt class of grid connected solar plant at its central stores at Keshavpuram with dual usage of a roof covering more than 11,000 sq. m area of the stores. In the past, TPDDL has got the EPC from Tata Power Solar, Moser Baer and Photon Energy. TPDDL has also installed 12 standalone solar systems in RWA porta cabins in NDMC area of New Delhi with 1MW solar plant in Keshavpuram.
To address the resource planning challenges and to improve the power supply reliability, TPDDL has roped in Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA to carry out a study for exploring feasibility of various DER technologies in the form of Solar PV, demand response and storage solutions and to prepare a roadmap for TPDDL’s grid integrated rooftop solar PV and demand response projects.
