Petition of the DERC (Demand Side Management) Regulations for the Behavioral Demand – EQ
Summary:
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#### 1. Case Overview & Legal Framework
– **Petition No.:** 34/2025
– **Petitioner:** Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. (TPDDL)
– **Purpose of Petition:** To seek approval from the DERC for implementing a **”Behavioral Demand Response Program.”**
– **Legal Basis:** The petition is filed under:
– **Section 86(1)(i) of the Electricity Act, 2003:** This section empowers the State Commission to discharge functions including regulating electricity purchase and procurement processes of distribution licensees, as well as promoting co-generation and generation of electricity from renewable sources.
– **Regulations 4 and 9 of the DERC (Demand Side Management) Regulations, 2014:** These regulations pertain to the implementation of Demand Side Management (DSM) and energy efficiency programs by utilities.
#### 2. What is a “Behavioral Demand Response Program”?
While the document does not provide specific operational details, based on the context of DSM regulations and utility practices, this program likely involves:
– **Objective:** To manage peak electricity demand by influencing consumer behavior through non-price signals.
– **Mechanism:** Instead of direct financial incentives or dynamic tariffs (like Time-of-Day tariffs), a behavioral program typically uses methods such as:
– Providing consumers with real-time or near-real-time feedback on their energy usage.
– Sending personalized energy-saving tips and alerts during peak hours.
– Comparing a household’s consumption with that of similar, more efficient neighbors (normative comparison).
– Gamification and rewards for reducing consumption during critical peak periods.
– **Goal:** To achieve a voluntary, temporary reduction in energy consumption during peak demand periods, thereby improving grid stability and deferring the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades.
#### 3. Current Status & Commission’s Directives
– **Previous Order:** In its last hearing, the Commission had directed TPDDL to file a **cost-benefit analysis** for the proposed program. This is a standard regulatory requirement to ensure that any new program is economically viable and provides net benefits to consumers.
– **Hearing of 13.02.2026:** At this hearing, the Learned Counsel for TPDDL appeared before the DERC Coram (comprising Sh. Surender Babbar and Sh. Ram Naresh Singh).
– **Request for Time:** The counsel requested an additional **one week’s time** to submit the required cost-benefit analysis.
– **Commission’s Order:** The Commission granted this request.
– **Next Steps:**
1. TPDDL must file the cost-benefit analysis within one week.
2. The case will be listed again after **four weeks**.
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