Neeraj Gaur
Asia Low-Carbon Building Transition (ALCBT) - India Program
Responsibilities
Engaged as Master Trainer and Technical Expert for ALCBT's India program, with role centering on capacity building:
- Designing and delivering training curricula for low-carbon building practices
- Training material manufacturers and technology providers
- Conducting certification courses across multiple states
- Mentoring local trainers ("training the trainers")
- Contributing to development of toolkits and guidelines
- Adapting international best practices to Indian contexts
- Speaking at project conferences and stakeholder engagement events
- Advocating benefits of low-carbon buildings to government officials
Key Achievements
Training sessions have received excellent feedback with participants highlighting how the program opened their eyes to new techniques. Material manufacturers have committed to innovating product lines (such as low-clinker cement). Training modules are being used as reference by universities and professional bodies even outside formal project training.
Energy Transition Strategy for Bihar (UNEP Program)
Responsibilities
Managed and executed crucial analytical and planning tasks covering both quantitative modeling and stakeholder engagement:
- Conducted detailed demand-supply analysis for Bihar's power sector
- Projected electricity demand through 2030, 2040, and up to 2070
- Led comprehensive RE resource assessment across all 38 districts
- Created Technology Trajectory & RE Integration Roadmap to 2070
- Planned infrastructure needs for generation, transmission, distribution
- Co-authored policy recommendations and drafted RE Policy 2025
- Liaised with Bihar's energy companies, BREDA, and Department of Energy
- Facilitated workshops and capacity-building sessions
Key Achievements
Delivered a landmark blueprint for Bihar's sustainable development. Provided the first quantified and actionable plan showing how Bihar can achieve universal electrification with significantly lower carbon emissions. The strategy aligns with India's national goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) - Smart Metering & Network Modernization
Responsibilities
Deeply involved in planning and monitoring of RDSS and allied smart grid projects for various state DISCOM clients:
- Helped utilities prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for RDSS funding
- Designed rollout plans for smart metering deployment
- Set up data management systems for meter data handling
- Monitored execution of smart meter deployment projects
- Guided installation of LT/HT ABC in theft-prone areas
- Provided expert input on meeting RDSS performance benchmarks
- Set up AI-driven energy accounting reports and analytics systems
Key Achievements
Key figure in translating RDSS's high-level goals into actionable projects on the ground. Utilities reported immediate gains in billing efficiency and revenue protection. Initial phases showed more accurate billing and identification of high-loss pockets.
Jaipur DISCOM Loss Reduction Strategy (JVVNL)
Responsibilities
Led an end-to-end approach to loss reduction as principal expert:
- Conducted extensive energy audit and network analysis across JVVNL
- Collected feeder-wise and transformer-wise data - loading, voltage, losses, billing
- Identified high-loss pockets through technical and billing data correlation
- Formulated Loss Reduction Strategy and Business Plan
- Focused on non-capex and low-capex measures for maximum impact
- Prepared detailed BOQs and activity schedules
- Set up dedicated loss reduction task force within JVVNL
- Introduced new KPIs and monitoring processes
- Served as principal liaison with JVVNL management and regulators
Key Achievements
Achieved approximately 15% loss reduction through systematic interventions. Some high-loss urban feeders that were above 30% loss saw reductions to around 15%, effectively doubling revenue from the same input energy. Knowledge transfer ensured the utility's team can sustain and further the gains.
DISCOM Demand Side Management & Energy Efficiency Program
Responsibilities
Served as subject matter expert and project manager coordinating with numerous state power utilities including Odisha DISCOMs, WBSEDCL, TPDDL, BYPL, UP and Uttarakhand utilities, JKPDD, PSPCL, UHBVN/DHBVN, JdVVNL, and others:
- Conducted baseline load research and analysis
- Identified DSM interventions for peak shaving and energy savings
- Led development of comprehensive DSM Action Plans
- Organized and led capacity-building workshops for DISCOM officials
- Oversaw energy audit studies within distribution networks
- Verified energy savings and compliance under PAT scheme
Key Achievements
Significantly boosted readiness of participating DISCOMs to implement DSM and efficiency programs. Several utilities established dedicated DSM cells and incorporated DSM targets into their business plans. Cumulatively built capacity of hundreds of DISCOM personnel across India.
Muzaffarpur Power Distribution Franchise Turnaround
Responsibilities
Led end-to-end management of power distribution across the 1,500 sq. km franchise zone with responsibilities spanning network operations and capital projects:
- Defined strategic plans for capacity expansion and loss reduction
- Directed team of 100+ technical staff and contractors
- Oversaw construction and upgrade of distribution infrastructure
- Implemented feeder segregation and rotation schedules
- Introduced high-voltage distribution systems and meter replacements
- Established robust maintenance practices and rapid fault response
- Implemented spot billing with handheld devices
- Coordinated with government and utility officials for regulatory compliance
Key Achievements
Central to the dramatic turnaround in performance. Fast-tracked infrastructure projects with 350+ distribution site constructions completed in record time. Averted Rs. 180 million revenue loss during a major flood through proactive protections.
Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) - UP & Rajasthan
Responsibilities
Served as execution head for APDRP initiatives in UP and Rajasthan, heading project teams in both states. Oversaw end-to-end implementation from planning to field execution including:
- GIS-based mapping of entire distribution network
- Asset indexing and codification (transformers, feeders, poles, lines)
- Consumer indexing through door-to-door surveys
- Integration of collected data into centralized IT systems
- Development and rollout of utility management software
- Training of utility staff and quality control of data
Key Achievements
Under his leadership, the APDRP projects achieved their core objectives in the target areas. The utilities saw marked improvement in energy accounting and billing efficiency. Reliable baseline data systems were established, enabling identification of loss hot-spots and informing targeted technical upgrades.