Question

The objective of the Agricultural Demand-side Management (AgDSM) programme is to reduce peak demand, shift the time during which electricity is consumed to off-peak hours by:

• A. replacement of inefficient agricultural pump with the high efficiency pump sets
• B. providing heavily subsidized solar micro-grid systems to small-holder farmers
• C. providing farmers with more electricity subsidies for a lower level of electricity consumption.
• D. providing financial incentives to farmers who have embraced energy efficient practices

Answer 1

The correct option is A

replacement of inefficient agricultural pump with the high efficiency pump sets

AGRICULTURE DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT (AgDSM)

The objective of the AgDSM programme is to reduce peak demand, shift the time during which electricity is consumed to off-peak hours and to reduce the total quantum of consumption. The AgDSM proposition is very simple i.e. replacement of inefficient agricultural pump sets with BEE star rated and high efficiency pump sets to reduce the amount of electricity needed to pump water in agriculture sector. By doing so, electricity usage can be reduced. If the savings from the reduction in electricity usage can be sustained and the total cost of the electricity saved exceeds the total installed cost of the pump sets over its useful life, there will be a net economic gain.

The rapid increase in electricity consumption of the agricultural sector is attributed to growth of rural electrification coupled with policy of below cost electricity supply to farmers.

first Ag DSM pilot project in Solapur circle of Maharashtra.