CERC purposes new measures to ensure grid stability

21-Feb-2010 Vinod Kumar Gupta

New Delhi: To ensure the grid stability and problem of large over drawls by many constituents Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has proposed to narrow the operating grid frequency from between 50.3 and 49.2 Hz to 50.2 and 49.5 Hz.

CERC has proposed that these regulations will come into force from April 1 this year. According to CERC the tightening of frequency band was necessary in view of the anticipated additional generating capacity coming up in the future and utilization of hourly surplus power through the power exchanges.

Hence the frequency band has been tightened from 49.2-50.3 Hz to 49.5-50.2 Hz. for higher grid security. This would lead to more efficient operation of the power system.

Padamjit Singh an expert in power system said that with the new provisions discoms will find it tough to overdraw from grid to meet peak load demand. Discoms will face huge problem in meeting the peak power demand.

CERC had earlier decided that the grid regulations need to be reviewed after every six months to keep a check on grid stability. The lowest frequency level — beyond which overdrawing is not allowed — had been raised last year also making it more expensive for states to draw below that limit. If overdrawing is allowed below the limit it could lead to grid collapse.

New regulations are likely to enforce greater grid discipline and ensure that discoms will make arrangements for setting up new projects and power purchases as per their requirements.

Regional Load Dispatch Centers have been entrusted with higher responsibilities to bring to the notice of the Commission various violations ofthe grid code affecting grid security.
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