Mis-match between Generation and transmission system of Talwandi Sabo thermal project to cost heavily to Powercom

Vinod Kumar Gupta
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
PATIALA: The mis-match between the commercial operation of Talwandi Sabo thermal units and associated transmission system will result in stranded and under utilization of transmission system for more than one year.

Sterlite has been revising the commercial operation of Talwandi Sabo units from 2012 -13 to 2013-14 whereas Punjab State Transmission Company Ltd. (PSTCL) has planned to commission first circuit of 400 KV Moga to Talwandi Sabo by July 2011.

As per power purchase agreement the first unit of thermal project was to be commissioned in August 2012 followed by other units after a gap of four months between them. Sterlite has changed subsequently the schedule of commercial operations of these units between June 2013 and December 2013.

PSTCL has written to Regulatory Commission in its reply to PSEB Engineers Association objections that "For providing back feed for testing the equipments, PSPCL has asked to commission one of the 400 kV lines by July 2011. Accordingly, 400 kV line from Moga to Talwandi Sabo along with connected bays at Moga has been planned to be completed by July 2011".

Association has contended that while considering the execution of a transmission system, the time frame for construction of transmission lines has to be finalized with respect to the generation commissioning schedule. However, the COD dates of Talwandi Sabo units 1 to 3 are repeatedly changing

Under such circumstances there is every possibility that in case the 400 kV line is constructed and energized in July 2011, the 400 kV substation of Talwandi Sabo Thermal Station may not be ready and it would result in an idle / stranded asset with no use / utilization. However, since PSPCL has instructed PSTCL to get the line ready by July 2011, it would result in PSTCL charging the transmission tariff of this idle line on PSPCL without any benefit to PSPCL.

The complete transmission system of Talwandi Sabo would be justified only after the third unit is commissioned in June 2013 whereas according to PSTCL the 400 KV lines to Moga, Muktsar, Makhu and Dhuri would be commissioned by April 2012 which implies under utilization of the transmission assets for over one year with the corresponding implication of paying transmission charges without getting proportional benefit.

PSTCL has given the construction of 400 KV transmission lines to Power Grid Corporation without tender process. Association has also brought to the notice of Regulatory Commission that PGCIL is known for excessive and lavish spending and there is every possibility that the capital cost of the works executed by PGCIL would be on the higher side since the cost is to be borne by PSTCL and recovered through tariff from PSPCL
Source Punjab Newsline.com