DRUM Launch program
"Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr. R.V. Shahi and Ambassador David C. Mulford lighting the lamp at the launch of the DRUM Project in New Delhi, October 14, 2004."
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the Ministry of Power (MoP), Government of India conceived an innovative program aimed at accelerating the pace of reform in India 's electricity distribution sector with a special focus on improving the nation's rural energy supply situation.
The goal of the Distribution Reform, Upgrades and Management (DRUM) Project is to improve the quality of electricity services in India . While it will focus on the entire distribution sector, DRUM views rural electrification as key to a sustainable solution for India 's electricity supply problems.
USAID has organized a team with unique mix of specialized skills and experience to implement DRUM. A core focus area calls for the development of a rural electrification strategy based on the successful experience in the US . A team from the US Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will join with India 's Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) to advise on this and related matters.
Other major components of the DRUM initiative include pilot projects to create centers of excellence. DRUM also has an ambitious training component with an extensive array of specialized programs focused on electricity distribution. An allied program will address unique aspects of the water-energy nexus.
DRUM Program Objectives
DRUM is the product of extensive discussion within both India and the US . Its design isdrawn from a detailed analysis titled “Study Report: India Electricity Distribution Reform Initiative”. For further information please refer to USAID/India website at www.usaid.gov/india. The Distribution Reforms Upgrades and Management activities (DRUM) are being launched with the purpose “to demonstrate best commercial and technological practices that improve the quality and reliability of “last mile” power distribution in selected urban and rural distribution circles in the country. The overall programmatic goal is to demonstrate commercially viable electricity distribution systems that provide reliable power of sufficient quality to consumers and to establish a commercial framework and a replicable methodology adopted by Indian Financial Institutions (FIs) for providing non-recourse financing for DRUM activities and programs.
The Anticipated Results are :
- Improved Power Distribution
- Better Availability and Quality of Electricity
- Enhanced Commercial Orientation and Drive
- Improved Consensus on the Distribution Reform Process
- Enhanced Viability of the Sector
- Strengthened Distribution Reform Initiatives of the MoP
- Enhanced Efficient Utilization of APDRP Funds
- Innovative Financing Mechanisms
- Improved Groundwater Management
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