The Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission (TSERC) has issued a notification for implementing the TSERC (Smart Grid) Regulation, 2021, to be enforced from the date of its publication in the Telangana Gazette.
Last yerar TSERC had proposed smart grid regulations to improve the efficiency of the state’s power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
According to the Commission the smart grid technologies have considerable potential to promote demand response, reducing wholesale prices and price volatility.
The Commission, in order to promote the development of Smart Grid in the State has identified on several key priorities to address existing and emerging challenges to the operation of the transmission and distribution systems. These challenges include cyber security issues, large-scale changes in generation mix and capabilities, and large potential new load from electric vehicles. The fact that a Smart Grid would permit two-way communication between the traditionally regulated components of the electric system and a large number of smart grid devices expected to be located beyond the conventional boundaries of regulated entities suggests that cyber security standards require special attention.
The objectives of this Regulation are to enable integration of various smart grid technologies and measures to bring about economy, efficiency improvement in generation, transmission and distribution licensee operations, manage the transmission and distribution networks effectively, enhance network security, integrate renewable and clean energy into the grid and micro grids.
The objectives also include enhancing network visibility and access, promoting optimal asset utilization, improving consumer service levels thereby allowing for participation in operations of transmission licensees, distribution licensees through greater technology adoption across the value chain in the electricity sector and particularly in the transmission and distribution segments.
The smart grid process would include the grid programme formulation and implementation, monitoring, reporting, and cost-effective evaluation, training and capacity building, and methodology for determining smart grid plans and funding levels.
The cell would be in charge of developing and implementing smart grid programmes, as well as conducting baseline studies and data development, for which a baseline study with the necessary database would be required.
