Power Infrastructure – Delhi Unveils Smart Substation and Rooftop Solar Expansion Drive
Power Infrastructure – Delhi has taken another step toward strengthening its power infrastructure with the launch of two major initiatives aimed at improving electricity reliability and encouraging renewable energy adoption across East Delhi. BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) introduced its first 2×1,000 kVA smart pad-mounted substation in Gandhi Nagar’s Amar Mohalla while also launching the “Solarise East” programme to support rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and the Delhi Solar Policy.
Leaders Attend Launch Event
The projects were inaugurated at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Surajmal Vihar by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra along with Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood. The event was attended by legislators, senior government officials, representatives from resident welfare associations, market associations, members of the solar industry and local residents. Senior officials from BSES, including Group CEO Amal Sinha, BRPL CEO Abhishek Ranjan and BYPL COO Santosh Kumar, were also present.
Government Highlights Focus on Future Power Needs
Speaking at the event, Harsh Malhotra praised the Delhi Government and the Power Department for successfully managing the city’s record electricity demand during the summer season. He said the government is preparing the capital’s power network to meet future growth and described the newly launched initiatives as important investments for long-term energy security.
Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood said modernising the electricity network is essential for building a reliable and environmentally responsible power system. He noted that the government’s investment of Rs 1,427 crore in power infrastructure, combined with the successful handling of a peak electricity demand of 8,748 MW without major disruptions, reflects its commitment to delivering dependable, affordable and sustainable electricity to consumers.
Smart Substation Designed for Congested Areas
The newly commissioned smart pad-mounted substation has been developed to address the unique challenges of Gandhi Nagar, where dense commercial activity and limited land make conventional infrastructure expansion difficult. The earlier 1,620 kVA substation at Amar Mohalla had been operating close to its capacity, making additional power infrastructure necessary.
Instead of constructing a traditional facility, BYPL installed two compact 1,000 kVA pad-mounted substations at an investment of around Rs 1.60 crore. Together, the units add nearly 380 kVA of extra capacity and are expected to improve electricity supply for around 1,400 consumers in the surrounding area.
The installation occupies about 80 percent less space than a standard substation and combines the transformer, Ring Main Unit and low-voltage panel inside a sealed, touch-safe enclosure. The factory-built design reduces construction work at the site while improving operational safety.
Digital Monitoring to Improve Supply Reliability
The smart substation is connected to BYPL’s SCADA system, allowing engineers to monitor and operate the facility remotely. Each unit includes ten outgoing low-voltage feeders fitted with protective equipment that enables faults to be isolated without affecting the entire network.
This arrangement is expected to minimise power interruptions during maintenance, improve fault detection, reduce overloading issues and enhance voltage stability during periods of high electricity demand. The enclosed structure also protects equipment from weather conditions and external damage, making it suitable for installation in narrow urban spaces.
BYPL stated that it has already commissioned three pad-mounted substations with different capacities and is currently developing seven more. Their future expansion will depend on operational performance, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods.
Solarise East to Encourage Rooftop Solar Adoption
Alongside the infrastructure upgrade, BYPL introduced Solarise East, a community-based programme intended to make rooftop solar installations easier for households across East Delhi. The initiative will guide residents through the complete process, including selecting approved vendors, understanding government subsidies, arranging financing, completing technical approvals and setting up net metering.
The programme will involve resident welfare associations, educational institutions, financial organisations, government agencies, market associations and empanelled solar vendors to provide reliable information and practical assistance.
Awareness campaigns will be conducted through workshops, community meetings, consumer camps, digital platforms, social media outreach, SMS campaigns and information kiosks. BYPL said the programme aims to support families from their initial enquiry through successful installation, helping them lower electricity bills while contributing to cleaner energy generation.