Assessment of Barriers and Implementation Strategies for DSM Programs in Restructured Indian Electricity Scenario: A Case of Rajasthan Power Sector

India is experiencing power shortages both in terms of peaking and energy. There is a critical needfor a vigorous demand side management (DSM) program to supplement capital-intensive supply side options in bridging the demand and supply gap in the short run. Widespread implementation of DSM in Indian utilities is a major challenge facing both institutional and administrative roadblocks. Government of India is making efforts through different policy measures to encourage DSM. Despite the large energy saving potential and clear economic benefits, utilities are hesitating in widespread implementation of these programs. The most common barriers for implementing DSM include non scientific tariff lack of incentives, lack of information, and absence of integrated planning approach, etc. Using the Rajasthan power sector as a case study, this paper identifies and examines the major barriers through a series of in-depth interviews with the top utility officials of Rajasthan. Finally, the paper suggests suitable policy measures for removing these barriers.