Turning Around the Power Distribution Sector: Learnings and Best Practices from Reforms

The distribution sector has been the Achilles’ heel of the Indian power sector, consistently making large losses, reflecting weaknesses in operations, infrastructure, and regulation. We will not be able to achieve a high-growth, low-carbon economy unless the distribution sector achieves profitability.Different states in India have followed different reform trajectories, and today, policy-makers can draw upon a wealth of accumulated experience. This report aims to document the best practices and lessons from across India, and where required, across the world.

Supply chain performance in the power distribution sector

Purpose In today’s highly competitive milieu, many organizations are entering into the international market to gain greater share and take advantage of higher production. However, the introduction of advanced technology has brought a significant amount of competition within the supply chain especially within the bounds of the power distribution sector. This study aims to examine how information and knowledge sharing influence supply chain performance in the power distribution sector. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative method and cross-sectional survey design were used in the study. A sample of 200 officers specifically selected from power distribution companies was used for the study. Data was analysed using descriptive, correlation, regression and structural equation models. Findings The relationship between information sharing, knowledge sharing and performance of the supply chain are positively mediated by supply chain collaboration. The findings indicate that technological innovation positively moderates the relationship between information sharing, knowledge sharing and supply chain performance. Practical implications Information sharing, knowledge sharing and technological innovation are critical indicators driving the supply chain operation of power distribution organizations. Originality/value This study presents a contemporary approach towards understanding knowledge and information sharing as antecedents of supply chain performance.

The tourism intermediaries' profitability in Portugal and Spain–differences and similarities

PurposeThis study aims to compare the financial performance of the tourism distribution sector between Portugal and Spain, regarding the years 2007 and 2017. It is also intended to determine which variables influence the performance of tourism intermediaries' enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThis is a quantitative study based on financial information available on SABI database, with official data of Spanish and Portuguese enterprises. The final sample gathers 6095 intermediaries (1585 Portuguese and 4510 Spanish) which were analyzed regarding their profitability through DuPont model and an additional variable – size.FindingsThe return on equity (ROE) calculation in 2007 and 2017 identifies an increase of 12.8% for Portugal and 19.6% for Spain. Through Spearman's Rho, return on sales (ROS), asset turnover and return on asset (ROA) have a positive association with ROE, but the results about asset on equity and enterprise size did not reveal such precise evidence.Research limitations/implicationsThis study intends to reinforce the literature in terms of performance evaluation techniques to be used in this type of enterprises, applying DuPont model. At a practical level, besides aiming the maximization of the enterprise's profit, managers are faced with other financial challenges. Thus, this study provides important indications about aspects that should be considered to improve the enterprise's financial performance, supporting managers' decision making.Originality/valueFinancial studies focusing on the tourism distribution sector are limited. Even less frequent are studies with financial and official data from large samples, representative of the universe under study. The value of this study is based on these two aspects, allowing to strengthen the knowledge about tourism intermediaries and their financial performance, in a comparative approach between two countries.

Turning Around the Power Distribution Sector: Learnings and Best Practices from Reforms

India is too large and diverse for aone-size-fits-all approach. Importing external expertise, structural frameworks, and newtechnology will be required, but these steps will not be sufficient to drive India’s powersector transition. Similarly, implementing retail choice through separation of content andcarriage may not necessarily result in the full set of theoretical benefits touted. A flexibleand home-grown approach to reform, which is supported by states and the Centre, andallows for ‘learning by doing’, will be instrumental in determining the success of reforms.

Analysing the forecast of electricity grid losses

Electricity grid losses, having a relevant impact on the financial situations of all network operators, are a major concern both in the transmission and distribution sector. Understanding the physical phenomenon underlying electricity grid losses is important to identify proper measures for reducing it, without impacting the quality of service and/or supplied electricity. Forecasting the volume accurately is also a relevant and challenging objective. In this paper, we analyze the main aspects that have to be taken into account in the forecasting process. Furthermore, the sensitive issue of the “commercial losses” or nontechnical losses is addressed briefly, pointing out the main characteristics and the associated perspective.