Gujarat’s Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel said the newly launched digital platform Urja Sanvardhanam will play a crucial role in advanced electricity demand planning and strengthening the state’s power network, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. According to an official statement, the Gujarat government has introduced the online monitoring system in response to steadily rising electricity demand across both rural and urban regions. The platform is designed to enable efficient management and real-time control of the state’s power supply by continuously tracking electricity consumption data on a daily and periodic basis. Through data-driven monitoring, Urja Sanvardhanam provides timely demand forecasts to power utilities, allowing them to anticipate load fluctuations and take preventive or corrective measures. Officials said this approach will help reduce stress on the power network and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply amid increasing consumption.The portal functions as a unified digital interface connecting distribution companies (DISCOMs), Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO), and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). By analysing load probability across regional, urban, and industrial pockets, the system identifies areas witnessing electricity demand growth ranging from 6 per cent to 12 per cent.Earlier, expansion of the power network relied largely on manual assessments and extended approval procedures, often leading to delays in infrastructure augmentation and decision-making. The new platform aims to address these inefficiencies by enabling faster, data-backed planning and prioritisation.Under the Urja Sanvardhanam framework, substations will be categorised based on the pace of load growth. Substations recording demand growth above 12 per cent will be marked as “critical”, while those witnessing growth between 9 per cent and 12 per cent will be classified as “very high” risk. Based on these insights, the energy department will prioritise network strengthening and infrastructure upgrades in high-growth zones.Officials said the initiative will enhance grid resilience, support industrial growth, and ensure Gujarat remains prepared for future electricity demand.News source: Electrical Mirror