CEA Brings Out Draft Resource Adequacy Framework for Reliable and Secured Power Supply

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has prepared a draft resource adequacy plan to maintain adequate generation capacity to meet future energy demands.

Shri Krishan Pal Gujar, Minister of State for Power & Heavy Industries inaugurated a workshop on “Resource Adequacy- Need and way forward” organized by Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power in New Delhi. Shri Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power and Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority also attended the event.

The objective of the workshop was to introduce the concept of Resource Adequacy in the power sector to various stakeholders. The workshop was attended by representatives from Ministry of Power, State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, State Governments, Distribution utilities, CPSUs under Ministry of Power and various Government officials.

Shri Krishan Pal Gujar stressed on the importance of 24X7 reliable and secured supply of power to consumers at affordable rate. He congratulated CEA for brining out Draft guidelines for carrying out Resource Adequacy plan for various Distribution utilities.

Issues including Need of Resource Adequacy plans and proposed guidelines for carrying out the Resource Adequacy plans were deliberated. The plan would be beneficial to the State Distribution utilities for optimal utilization of generation capacity, harnessing the diversity associated with demand of electricity and sharing of generating assets among various States. The plan will also help states in optimal capacity planning and procurement of power thereby reducing the cost of supply to consumers.

According to the document, it was imperative that plans be made for variable renewable energy’s increasing proportion in the total energy mix. Distributor licensees who want to abandon long-term power purchase arrangements (PPAs), could make erroneous contracts. This could lead to over- or under-provisioning and deficient situations in the near term, as renewable energy generation fluctuates. Draft report identifies that energy storage and other resources can be used to balance the variability and intermittency in renewable energy. This will ensure system reliability and lower costs.

The Pilot studies are being carried out for five states namely Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Odissa, Tamilnadu and Punjab. Further, Central Electricity Authority also plans to organize Regional Workshops for the benefit of States Electricity Regulatory Commissions and Distribution utilities.

View the DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR RESOURCE ADEQUACY PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR INDIA