The inter-ministerial group focused on smart grid technologies for the power sector plans to spend up to Rs 600 crore for pilot projects in different parts of the country. The group -- India Smart Grid Task Force -- is chaired by Sam Pitroda, who is the adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation.

"We are planning to spend up to Rs 600 crore for about 15 pilot projects related to smart grid technologies," Pitroda told reporters here today. The basic aim of having smart grid is to improve overall efficiency of the power sector, especially in transmission and distribution segments, with the help of information technology.

Going by estimates, there is leakage of over 30 per cent during electricity transmission and distribution. One of the reasons cited is poor billing systems. Eight new pilot projects, including those on automated metering infrastructure, are being planned. Out of them, six would be smaller projects, Central Power Research Institute's Director General and task force member N Murugesan said.

According to Pitroda, a preliminary framework on smart grid is expected to be ready in the coming 18 months. Among others, the task force is also working on having a low cost smart meter, which would help in improving efficiency.

The task force has also set up five working groups, including the one focused on loss reduction and theft, data gathering and analysis. The working groups are also in the final stages of preparing their reports.