AI-Powered Load Forecasting and Smart Grids: Yellakari Kesava Charyulu’s Vision for Andhra Pradesh’s Energy Future

In this insightful interview, Yellakari Kesava Charyulu, Chief Engineer at the Andhra Pradesh State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC), discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with managing a power grid in one of India’s most dynamic states. As renewable energy plays an increasingly larger role, Mr. Charyulu explains how the SLDC is adapting to integrate intermittent power sources, manage peak demand, and adopt cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and smart grids. He also shares his vision for Andhra Pradesh’s energy sector’s future, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.

With India moving towards increased renewable energy adoption, how does the Andhra Pradesh SLDC handle the integration of intermittent sources like wind and solar into the grid?

To integrate renewable energy into the grid effectively, several strategies can be employed. Energy storage is one of the key solutions, where electricity generated during periods of high renewable output can be stored and used when demand rises. As battery technology advances and costs continue to fall, this will become an increasingly viable option. Another important factor is the development of transmission lines, which are essential for connecting areas rich in renewable resources with regions that have high electricity demand, ensuring energy is efficiently transported across the state.

Demand-side management is also a critical approach. By optimizing when electricity is used, such as implementing automated building controls to cool offices or heat water during off-peak hours, the grid can better balance supply and demand, especially during high-demand periods. Combining multiple renewable sources like wind and solar is another way to mitigate the variability in generation from any one source, thereby ensuring a more stable supply of power. Forecasting models based on weather patterns are used to predict fluctuations in renewable energy generation, allowing grid operators to adjust in advance.

Decentralizing energy generation through distributed systems, such as rooftop solar panels and small wind turbines, helps diversify energy sources and reduces the burden on transmission lines. The use of smart grids plays an important role in managing connected devices such as solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of energy flow. Microgrids are also a valuable solution for distributed generation, especially in remote areas, as they provide localized energy security and the ability to operate independently when necessary.

Finally, policy frameworks that incentivize renewable energy development and its integration into the grid are crucial in driving investment and ensuring effective implementation.

How does SLDC plan and manage peak electricity demand in the state? Are there any innovative strategies being used to optimize load management?

Managing peak electricity demand is essential for maintaining grid stability and avoiding high energy costs. The primary objective is to reduce energy demand during peak hours and, in doing so, prevent the high charges associated with demand spikes. For commercial end users, utility tariffs typically distinguish between power and energy charges, with demand charges being assessed based on the maximum power used by a customer. Time-of-use (TOU) pricing is employed to differentiate energy charges by the time of day, season, and day of the week, with distinct periods such as super on-peak, on-peak, mid-peak, off-peak, and super off-peak.

Typically, the highest demand charges occur during the super peak and peak periods, which, for a typical summer weekday, are between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Conversely, lower demand charges apply during off-peak periods, such as in the mornings and evenings, on summer weekends, and during winter months. Optimizing energy use during these off-peak periods can help balance the grid while also reducing costs for consumers.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in maintaining grid stability, especially with fluctuating renewable energy generation? What steps are taken to prevent grid failures or load shedding during peak periods?

One of the primary challenges in maintaining grid stability is the intermittent nature of renewable energy, where generation depends on weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in supply. This makes balancing the grid more complex. Renewable energy intermittency can cause instability in grid frequency and voltage, and when combined with sudden changes in energy consumption, it can further strain the system. Additionally, existing grid infrastructure may not have been designed to handle the variability that comes with large-scale renewable energy integration, which presents challenges in terms of upgrading transmission capacity.

Managing these fluctuations effectively requires the use of advanced control systems to balance power flow. Rapid changes in renewable energy generation can also lead to voltage fluctuations, affecting power quality across the grid. When renewable sources are disconnected during outages, islanding protection becomes crucial to prevent power from feeding back into the grid, which could pose safety risks for utility workers. Accurate forecasting of renewable energy production is another critical aspect, though weather variability can make this task more difficult.

To overcome these challenges, energy storage systems, such as batteries, offer the potential to store excess renewable energy during peak production periods, making it available during times of low generation, which stabilizes the grid. Advanced smart grid technologies enable better management of power flow and allow for the integration of distributed energy sources, which can respond more effectively to demand fluctuations. Demand response programs incentivize consumers to adjust their electricity usage in real-time based on grid conditions, helping balance supply and demand during critical periods. Upgrading grid infrastructure to handle higher levels of renewable energy is another key solution, as is combining renewable energy sources with traditional power plants to create a more stable and reliable energy mix.

How does the SLDC collaborate with generation companies and distribution utilities to balance supply and demand effectively?

Collaboration between SLDC, generating companies, and distribution utilities is fundamental to maintaining grid stability and balancing supply with demand. The process begins with each State Generating Station (SGS) submitting a capability declaration, which outlines how much power they can generate. Similarly, each beneficiary, such as distribution utilities, submits their drawal schedules, indicating their expected power consumption. Using this information, SLDC prepares both dispatch schedules for the generating stations and drawal schedules for the beneficiaries.

In real-time, SLDC issues dispatch or drawal instructions to make necessary adjustments in response to any changes in demand or supply. If significant deviations occur from the planned schedules, SLDC may also reschedule generation or consumption as needed to ensure stability. In addition, there are commercial arrangements in place to manage deviations from these schedules, including mechanisms for reactive power pricing. This coordinated approach ensures that the grid remains balanced, even during periods of high demand or when renewable generation fluctuates.

What are the key regulatory or policy challenges that impact the SLDC’s operations, and how are they being addressed?

As the energy sector shifts towards renewable energy and sustainability, the SLDC faces several regulatory and policy challenges. One of the main challenges is ensuring compliance with evolving regulations related to renewable energy integration, emissions reduction, and overall grid stability. Adapting to these regulatory changes while maintaining efficient operations is a constant balancing act. Moreover, as the energy market becomes increasingly competitive and complex, SLDC must remain innovative and adaptive to meet the needs of both the market and regulatory authorities.

Skill development is also a significant aspect, as transitioning to a grid that incorporates higher levels of renewable energy requires new technical knowledge and operational skills. To address this, SLDC invests in continuous training programs, ensuring that engineers and operators have the skills necessary to implement new policies and manage the technical challenges of a modernized grid. This focus on developing talent, alongside adapting to market demands and regulatory changes, helps SLDC remain agile in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Can you discuss any recent technological advancements or innovations that the SLDC has adopted to enhance grid reliability and efficiency?

One of the key advancements adopted to enhance grid reliability and efficiency is the use of advanced energy forecasting methodologies that combine statistical methods with artificial intelligence. These forecasting systems provide accurate predictions of energy demand and generation, helping grid operators make informed decisions in real-time. Short-term forecasts, which predict energy demand over a 12-day horizon with hourly intervals, allow grid operators to respond dynamically to changing conditions.

Incorporating climatological data, such as temperature and thermal sensation, into forecasting models further improves the accuracy of these predictions by accounting for weather-related variations in energy use. These forecasts can be delivered through an automated application that updates in real-time or as a daily service providing updated predictions and data. By adopting these technological advancements, SLDC has significantly enhanced its ability to manage the grid efficiently, ensuring reliable energy supply across the state.

Could you share your vision for the future of Andhra Pradesh’s energy sector and how SLDC plans to support the state’s goals of sustainability and energy security?

Looking to the future, I believe that Andhra Pradesh’s energy sector will be shaped by the adoption of smart grids and AI-based load forecasting, both of which are critical to improving energy management and supporting the state’s sustainability goals. Smart grids enable two-way energy transactions, allowing customers to sell energy generated by rooftop solar panels or other on-site renewable sources back to the grid. This increases system flexibility, enhances resilience to demand fluctuations, and ultimately leads to cost savings for consumers.

AI-based load forecasting plays a crucial role in optimizing grid operations, enabling grid operators to plan for periods of high demand or renewable energy variability with greater precision. By integrating these technologies, SLDC can help Andhra Pradesh achieve both sustainability and energy security, ensuring a reliable and resilient energy future for the state.