India, May 26 -- With day temperatures shooting past 42 degrees, power supply managers and consumers are anxious about interruptions in supply. As India develops, the use of air conditioners at places of work and in homes is becoming increasingly normal in urban areas.

Air conditioners are electricity guzzlers. The consequence of increased usage of ACs is that the growth rate of summer peak demand is high. It is higher than the growth rate of overall electricity demand. Peak demand has already crossed a record 256 GW and could go up to 270 GW. Peak demand has crossed a record 270 GW up by 30 GW from the March peak of around 238 GW.

How does a distribution company (discom) efficiently - and at the least cost - ensure reliable supply? Its...