Helping Corporates In RE Transition & Energy Storage Adoption: Netra Walawalkar, VP, CES

Netra Walawalkar began her journey with Customized Energy Solutions (CES) long before its India chapter was established. She joined CES's head office in the US as a Software Engineer, where she was among the first few to develop software automation for downloading energy market results and Locational Marginal Prices (LMPs) from the PJM and NYISO markets. This work played a key role in optimizing CES's wholesale and retail operations in the US.

From that point on, she developed a deep interest in electricity markets, with her engineering background serving as the perfect complement. She started contributing beyond software development, working on consulting projects as an analyst, particularly focusing on energy storage in the US. This hands-on experience provided her with valuable insights into how emerging technologies were reshaping the power sector.

In an interview with ResponsibleUs, Netra Walawalkar, Vice President of India Operations at Customized Energy Solutions, discussed her journey, how CES helps corporates in energy transition and the evolution of the energy storage landscape over the past decade, and more

You have been with Customized Energy Solutions since its India launch in 2010. What motivated you to take on this role, and how has your journey evolved?
My journey with Customized Energy Solutions (CES) started much earlier than its India launch. In 2006, I joined CES's head office in the USA as a Software Engineer, where I was among the first few people to develop software automation for downloading energy market results and Locational Marginal Prices (LMPs) from PJM and NYISO markets. This work played a key role in optimizing wholesale and retail operations for CES in the US.

As I worked closely with energy market data and system operations, I developed a deep interest in electricity markets. Given my engineering background, I started contributing beyond software development, working on consulting projects as an analyst, particularly focusing on energy storage in the US. This hands-on experience gave me insights into how emerging technologies were reshaping the power sector.

In 2010, my family and I moved back to India to establish CES's India operations. At the time, India was at the cusp of major energy market reforms, and I saw a tremendous opportunity to bring market-driven energy solutions to commercial and industrial consumers. Since then, my journey has been about expanding CES's footprint in open access, energy storage, e-mobility, and microgrids, working with policymakers, industry leaders, and local communities to accelerate the clean energy transition.

From software automation to energy consulting, to leading India operations, my journey with CES has been one of continuous learning and innovation. It has reinforced my passion for bridging technology, policy, and business strategy to drive a more efficient and sustainable energy ecosystem.

You oversee multiple departments here. Can you elaborate on your cross-functional experience across multiple business lines? Which roles have been the most transformative for you?
My journey with Customized Energy Solutions (CES) has been diverse and multifaceted. I have had the opportunity to work across various domains, starting with software development and automation in the US, where I contributed to optimizing energy market operations. This technical foundation allowed me to transition into energy markets consulting, where I worked on energy trading, wholesale and retail operations, and energy storage projects.

When we started CES India in 2010, it was like building a startup-handling admin, HR, finance, business development, and energy trading services.

Another transformative role was co-founding the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) in 2012, which started with creating awareness about energy storage's role in India's grid and has now grown into a key industry body. Additionally, I have had the privilege of working with an amazing team dedicated to ensuring sustainable rural electrification, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating livelihood opportunities through clean energy adoption.
These experiences-from software engineering to energy consulting, from industry advocacy to rural electrification-have shaped my leadership approach, emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and innovation.

How has India's energy storage landscape evolved over the past decade, and where do you see the biggest opportunities today?
India's energy storage sector has transformed significantly. In 2012, IESA started as an awareness initiative, and today, energy storage is recognized as a key enabler for renewables, grid stability, and EVs.

Key Developments:
"    Policy Recognition - The National Energy Storage Mission & ACC PLI Scheme support domestic manufacturing. Renewable energy policies recognizing role of energy storage. 
"    SECI & Grid-Scale Tenders - Over 100 GWh of energy storage capacity has been tendered in Firm & Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) projects.
"    Regulatory Push - MNRE's recent guidelines for 2-hour storage integration in solar tenders.
"    Industrial & Commercial Adoption - With rising tariffs and changing TOD incentives, industries are increasingly exploring storage.
"    EV Growth - Demand for lithium-ion batteries and second-life battery applications is rising.

Biggest Opportunities:
1.    Grid-Scale Storage - Supporting India's 500 GW non-fossil fuel target.
2.    C&I Storage Adoption - Peak shaving, demand management, and backup power.
3.    Battery Manufacturing - PLI scheme boosting domestic production.
4.    Rural Electrification - Microgrids enabling sustainable development.
5.    Green Hydrogen & Long-Duration Storage - For industrial decarbonization.

Policy support, cost reductions, and market-driven incentives will be key to scaling storage adoption.

What are common challenges in energy cost optimization and open access, and how does CES help?
Industries seeking to optimize energy costs through open access and renewable energy procurement face several challenges, primarily due to regulatory uncertainty and evolving tariff structures. Some of the key challenges include:
"    Regulatory Uncertainty: Open access rules and regulations, particularly concerning banking and settlement of renewable energy, are frequently changing. This impacts the financial viability of long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and necessitates continuous monitoring of policy updates.
"    Dynamic Tariff Structures: Distribution companies (DISCOMs) are proposing revised tariff structures and Time-of-Day (TOD) segments, which significantly influence industrial energy consumption patterns. For example, MSEDCL has proposed an incentive for daytime energy consumption due to high solar energy penetration, whereas earlier incentives were available for nighttime usage. Such changes in on-peak and off-peak TOD definitions as well as banking regulation will directly impact The sizing and financial modeling of renewable energy projects. It will also impact the calculation of energy savings for industries that sign long-term PPAs (often 25 years).
"    Long-Term Contractual Risks: Given the long tenure of renewable energy projects, regulatory risks must be properly assessed and balanced to ensure that industrial consumers maximize cost savings while mitigating potential financial risks.

How CES Helps Navigate These Challenges:
1.    Regulatory & Market Intelligence: CES continuously monitors policy changes, tariff structures, and open access regulations to provide industries with real-time insights and help them make informed energy procurement decisions.
2.    Customized Energy Procurement Strategies: We assist industries in structuring optimal energy portfolios, balancing open access, renewable PPAs, energy storage, and grid power to minimize costs and maximise renewable energy share while ensuring operational resilience.
3.    Risk Management & Financial Modeling: Our team provides detailed regulatory impact analysis to help industries assess potential risks and structure contracts with flexible clauses that account for evolving regulatory landscapes.
4.    Energy Storage & TOD Optimization: we guide industries on integrating energy storage solutions to optimize their consumption patterns. Maximize renewable energy share, minimize emissions and maximize cost savings.

By combining policy expertise, advanced data analytics, and strategic advisory services, CES enables industrial consumers to effectively navigate the complexities of open access and energy cost optimization, ensuring both financial viability and energy resilience in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

What lessons from the US energy storage market can be applied to India?
The US has demonstrated how structured market incentives and revenue stacking can drive energy storage adoption.

Key Lessons for India:
1.    Clear Revenue Streams for Storage - Storage is a Swiss knife that provides multiple services (arbitrage, frequency regulation, demand charge management, black start, etc.), each requiring a defined value and compensation model.
2.    Hybrid Renewable-Storage Incentives - Solar-plus-storage;  wind-plus-storage and solar plus wind plus storage models can be promoted.
3.    Ancillary Services Market - Storage should be integrated into frequency regulation & peaking services.
4.    C&I Distributed Storage - Open access rules should encourage integration of energy storage along with solar & wind contracts
5.    Robust Policy & Market Framework - Investment clarity and long-term incentives will accelerate adoption.
India needs to define revenue mechanisms, create market structures, and unlock financing to drive large-scale energy storage deployment.

How can energy storage reduce diesel consumption and integrate renewables in India?
BESS is a clean alternative to diesel backup power, helping industries and businesses transition to reliable and cost-effective solutions.

Key Applications:
1.    Remote & Rural Areas - Grid fluctuations and outages can be mitigated with solar-plus-storage microgrids, reducing diesel dependency.
2.    Telecom Sector - Early adoption of advanced batteries has significantly cut diesel use at cell tower sites.
3.    Urban Backup Power - Cities are phasing out DG sets due to pollution concerns; BESS provides zero-emission backup for residential buildings, data centers, and commercial hubs.
4.    Industrial & Commercial Applications - BESS enables peak shaving and demand management, ensuring seamless operations without fuel costs and maintenance issues.

With increasing regulatory support and declining battery costs, storage is set to minimize diesel consumption across multiple sectors, supporting a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

CES is involved in electric vehicle strategy and implementation. What are some key enablers and barriers to widespread EV adoption in India?

Key enablers:
"    Government incentives and policies like FAME-II and state EV policies.
"    Growing charging infrastructure, especially fast charging solutions.
"    Declining battery costs making EVs more affordable.

Barriers:
"    Charging infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural areas.
"    High upfront costs of EVs despite long-term savings.
"    Supply chain constraints in battery manufacturing.
CES had launched EV adopter Circle initiative back 2021 to create awareness and promote adoption of EVs. CES also has testing facility for lithium battery cell and module testing to support EV OEMs. 

CES has been involved in setting up microgrids in Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. What impact have these projects had on local communities?
Our microgrid projects have had a profound impact, including:
"    Providing reliable electricity not just for lights and fans but for productive use of energy and setting up livelihood activities for local communities.
"    Enabling local businesses and empowering women entrepreneurs.
"    Creating jobs and skills development in the economic activities in the community.

These projects demonstrate how decentralized energy solutions can drive socioeconomic growth in rural India.

How do you see the future of microgrids in rural India, and what policy or financial interventions are needed to scale them effectively?
The future of microgrids in India is promising but requires:
"    Viable business models to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
"    Access to low-cost financing for initial deployment.
Public-private partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms will be key to scaling microgrid adoption.

How do you approach governance and strategic client relations in a rapidly evolving energy sector?
Strong governance requires:
"    Transparency and compliance in all business dealings.
"    A client-centric approach, focusing on long-term partnerships and innovative solutions.

Building trust and delivering impact are the cornerstones of effective governance and client relations.

What are your top three priorities for India's energy sector in the next five years?
1.    Scaling energy storage for Commercial & industrial consumers.
2.    Accelerating EV adoption and charging infrastructure development.
3.    Supporting decarbonization for heavy industry sector
4.    Expanding distributed renewable energy solutions through innovative microgrid solutions.

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