THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRIMATI JAYAWANTI MEHTA )
(a) to (c) : Huge fluctuations in power frequency, affects power utilities and
generating plants connected to the grids and also consumer equipments. Power
generating units are designed for operation at standard frequency of 50 Hz/Sec.
Fluctuation in grid frequency beyond permissible limits may damage rotating
equipments. High frequency operation also causes additional consumption of fuel.
(d) : Wide frequency variation may cause production loss to certain group of
consumers. As per available information, no report has been received about the products
becoming non-competitive in the international market due to high energy costs on
account of frequency variation.
(e) & (f) : Central Electricity Regulatory Commission have already laid an Indian
Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) for operating the regional grids. IEGC stipulates operating
grid frequency between 49.0 Hz. And 50.5 Hz. However, maintenance of grid discipline
including frequency profile and other grid related issues are being discussed with State
Governments/State Utilities by the Central Electricity Authority/Power Grid/Ministry of
Power from time to time and decisions taken to improve the frequency profile of regional
girds. Cooperation of all constituents of all regions is essential for maintaining the grid
frequency within the operating band of 49.0 to 50.5 Hz as stipulated in the IEGC.
During the meeting of Power Ministers of States (except NER States) held
on 5th August, 2002 it was emphasized that the States should maintain grid discipline
during the period of shortages due to loss of hydel generation on account of less rainfall.
Further, the decisions agreed for implementation in the Western Grid by Regional
Electricity Board during the meeting taken by Secretary, Ministry of Power with the
Western Region States on 3.8.2002 were reiterated which inter-alia included
(i) load
management by states keeping in view the availability of power from all sources through
rostering, power cuts etc. so as to maintain grid frequency at 50.0 Hz.
(ii) the Regional
Load Dispatch Center (RLDC) should cut supply to the States overdrawing from the grid
at frequency below 49.0 Hz. and in case the frequency dips below 48.5 Hz. The RLDCs
should take all steps as deemed fit including cutting loads to even the States that are not
overdrawing, to bring back the frequency to 49.0 Hz.
The States were requested to discuss the matter in their respective
Regional Electricity Boards and accept the same regime.
