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The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued an order regarding the management and planning of the power system to ensure safety, reliability, and stability, particularly during times of fluctuating demand. This initiative was taken to prepare for critical periods, such as seasonal changes when electricity demand may rise sharply. The Commission emphasized the importance of taking necessary measures to prevent any risks to the system during such periods.
The National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), along with the Regional and State Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs and SLDCs), has been tasked with conducting operational planning at various time intervals. These include short-term plans for the day ahead and longer-term strategies on a weekly and monthly basis. The objective is to ensure there is enough power supply to meet the expected demand, especially when relying on renewable energy sources like solar power, which are not always consistent.
A detailed demand estimation process will be conducted to forecast electricity needs. This estimation will be done at the state level, with inputs from local distribution companies and other power generation entities. Based on these inputs, the NLDC and RLDCs will create a broader national forecast, which will guide power generation and distribution strategies.
In addition to demand estimation, the planning process will also focus on power generation from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hybrid systems. This ensures that renewable energy plays a key role in meeting the increasing electricity demand, while also maintaining the reliability of the system. The centers will assess whether the available resources are sufficient to meet the forecasted demand and take corrective measures if necessary.
In preparation for periods of high demand, the centers are required to carry out operational studies. These studies are designed to identify potential issues that could affect the stability of the grid, such as deviations from operational limits. By identifying these risks early, corrective actions can be taken to prevent disruptions to the power supply.
During October 2024, the peak demand is expected to exceed available generation, particularly during non-solar hours. The projected shortfall will require additional power generation to ensure the grid remains stable. To address this, the Commission has directed all relevant entities to take proactive measures. These include preparing for worst-case scenarios and ensuring that power generation plants are operating at full capacity.
The Commission also stressed the importance of maintaining clear communication between all stakeholders. It has called for regular updates from the load despatch centers and other entities regarding their operational plans and any issues they encounter. This includes monitoring the performance of power plants and ensuring they are capable of meeting demand during critical periods.
Finally, the Commission has asked the centers to submit detailed reports on the measures they have implemented to address the projected increase in demand. These reports will be reviewed by the Commission to ensure that all necessary steps have been taken to protect the stability of the power grid during high-demand periods.
This approach by the CERC aims to encourage a more proactive and coordinated effort to manage the power system effectively, ensuring it can handle fluctuations in demand while maintaining a stable and secure electricity supply. |
