Digital transformation is transforming grid management from asset-driven to data-driven, benefiting 2.1 million users.

Schneider Electric has announced a partnership with Tata Power West Orissa Distribution Company (TPWODL) to digitally upgrade the distribution infrastructure in West Orissa. TPWODL is a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Orissa.

The collaboration will cover 75 substations based on the EcoStruxure architecture for end-to-end visualization and control. TPWODL's service covers nine administrative districts and has more than 2.1 million users. The digital transformation introduces SCADA systems, intelligent remote terminal units (RTUs), protection relays and centralized network management platforms, marking a formal shift in the grid management model from traditional asset-oriented to data-oriented.

It is reported that the project has reduced the power outage time by 30%, and plans to reduce the power outage interruption by 70% through further optimization. At present, the number of failures reported by users has been reduced, the power recovery speed has been accelerated, and the voltage supply has been more stable. In addition, the improvement of grid performance also effectively reduces technical losses and carbon emissions.

The project is designed to respond to the growing energy demand in the region. The modernization of the TPWODL network helps to integrate traditional power with distributed renewable energy sources. Schneider Electric has adopted a standardized implementation model in order to quickly promote it among more substations.

Deepak Sharma, president and CEO of Schneider Electric India, said the initiative reflects the deep integration of reliability, sustainability and digital intelligence in the power industry. According to Anil Ojha, Chief Technical Services, Contracts and Warehousing Head of TPWODL, modern tools will improve customer service and lay the foundation for future energy needs. As demand climbs, the reliability of the network in Western Orissa is expected to increase further. The collaboration enables distribution operators to handle complex loads more efficiently and reduce environmental impact through energy efficiency measures. The specific timetable for comprehensive optimization has not yet been announced.