In Short : DGVCL is at the forefront of renewable energy and technological innovations in Gujarat. The company is committed to expanding its renewable energy capacity through solar and wind projects, enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency. By integrating advanced technologies, DGVCL aims to improve grid management and provide reliable electricity, supporting Gujarat’s transition to a greener energy future and fostering economic development in the region.
In Detail : Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL) has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, driving significant transformation within Gujarat’s energy sector. Through its focus on renewable energy adoption, advanced technological integration, and customer-centric initiatives, the company has emerged as a leader in fostering sustainability and enhancing efficiency in power distribution across the region.
With a coastal stretch of over 600 kilometers, DGVCL is strategically positioned to expand renewable energy projects. The company plans to capitalise on this potential by enhancing rooftop wind energy installations and implementing MW-scale projects, aligning with the Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy 2023. This policy promotes hybrid energy solutions, integrating solar and wind power to ensure a more sustainable and reliable regional energy supply.
Operating across 23,307 square kilometres and covering seven districts in South Gujarat—Bharuch, Narmada, Surat (excluding parts of Surat city), Tapi, Dangs, Navsari, and Valsad— DGVCL is headquartered in Surat and operates through four circles, 23 divisions, and 161 subdivisions. Its diverse consumer base includes 3.75 million users, with 2.90 million domestic consumers, 0.52 million industrial consumers, and 0.23 million agricultural consumers as of March 2024.
EXPANDING RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVES
Since the launch of the Surya Gujarat Yojana and PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, DGVCL has installed 850 MW of residential rooftop solar capacity. Building on this success, the company has also published a tender to invite proposals for setting up Rooftop Wind Projects (KW scale) on a pilot basis, in line with the Gujarat RE Policy 2023, to assess the feasibility and viability of wind energy generation on rooftops, parallel to solar rooftops, promoting hybrid generation for consumer self-sustainability. The bids are under technical scrutiny. Additionally, over 750 MW of capacity has been registered under the RE Policy 2023 by DGVCL’s HT/EHT consumers, with commissioning expected this year. This capacity addition will enable DGVCL to shift 80% of agricultural energy consumption to daytime hours, reducing nighttime electricity demand.
LEADING THE TRANSITION TO SMART PREPAID METERS
DGVCL is modernising its power distribution network with the introduction of smart prepaid meters. These meters allow consumers to monitor and manage energy usage in real-time, fostering efficient consumption patterns and reducing energy wastage. Offering flexible payment options, they eliminate the need for physical visits to billing offices and enhance overall consumer satisfaction. For DGVCL, smart meters will help minimise energy theft, automate meter readings, and reduce operational costs while improving billing accuracy and transparency.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE
DGVCL’s financial health is a testament to its operational excellence. The company maintains 100% collection efficiency and boasts some of India’s lowest aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, standing at 4.77% in 2023-24. Recognised for its strong financial and operational performance, DGVCL secured an A+ grade and ranked 3rd out of 53 utilities in the 12th Annual Integrated Rating and Ranking of Power Distribution Utilities, with a score of 98.3 out of 100.
The company is optimising its material resource planning and maintaining optimal inventory levels to reduce costs. By promoting digital payments— targeting a 90-95% adoption rate— DGVCL is accelerating revenue realisation and minimising transaction costs, ensuring sustainable financial performance.
TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION FOR OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Since 2007, DGVCL has actively embraced technology to enhance its operations and service delivery. Leveraging platforms such as E-Urja, the Outage Management System (OMS), and Geo-Urja, the company has streamlined key processes like billing, new connections, and outage management. GIS mapping through Geo-Urja has further improved operational efficiency and service delivery, offering transparency and faster processing of consumer applications.
Centre for LT connections, has significantly reduced the time for processing new connections and load adjustments, improving overall customer satisfaction.
COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
DGVCL has implemented several innovative measures to enhance its operations. The establishment of a central processing center for document verification has expedited application processes, while an in-house inventory accounting system has optimised inventory management, reducing costs. System improvements in urban and industrial feeders have minimised downtime, ensuring a more reliable power supply.
Additionally, DGVCL’s participation in the Gujarat government’s ‘eSarkar’ initiative has reduced paperwork and improved decision-making speed, further boosting operational efficiency.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ENERGY IN GUJARAT
DGVCL’s leadership in renewable energy and technological transformation positions the company as a key player in Gujarat’s energy future. With its commitment to innovative solutions, smart metering, and operational efficiency, DGVCL is setting new benchmarks for sustainability and customer satisfaction. As Gujarat pursues its ambitious energy goals, DGVCL continues to drive the state towards a greener and more efficient future, shaping the region’s next chapter of energy distribution.
