ABB has won a $42-million contract from the main electricity transmission company in the Indian state of Karnataka for a system to monitor and control the network.

ABB will provide Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) with a network management system that integrates supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology with energy management and distribution management systems. They will monitor and control 830 main transmission and distribution substations spread across the state of Karnataka, including the city of Bangalore.

“This project is a good example of how technology innovations can help to enhance grid reliability and efficiency through better monitoring and control,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB's Power Systems division. “ABB has already delivered six major SCADA installations in cities across India and we are proud to be associated with KPTCL in this project.”

Integrated network management enables utilities to monitor and control their entire transmission and distribution networks from a single control room and in real time. The new system for KPTCL incorporates energy and distribution management applications such as load-sharing technology and availability-based tariffs, which encourage users to keep to pre-arranged schedules.

These features enable better planning and help to maintain a steady supply of power under normal conditions. They also facilitate quick restoration of power in case of outages. Other benefits include operational flexibility, archived data and a reduction in losses caused by outages.

KPTCL is owned by the government of Karnataka and serves about 11 million customers in the southern Indian state. The project scope includes design, engineering, installation, testing, commissioning and service. It is scheduled for completion in about 24 months.