The new regulation issued by the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission focuses on maintaining grid discipline and ensuring grid security. This is achieved through a commercial mechanism that settles deviations made by grid users between their actual power drawal or injection and their scheduled amounts.
The regulation specifies that all buyers and sellers, including state distribution licensees, state sector generating stations, and open-access customers connected to the state grid, must adhere to this framework. The objective is to manage deviations efficiently, ensuring that the grid operates smoothly and reliably.
One of the critical aspects of the regulation is the scheduling period, which is defined for each time block of the day starting from midnight. The state load despatch centre (SLDC) is responsible for preparing the least cost dispatch schedule based on the availability and load forecasts provided by the generating stations and buyers. This schedule aims to optimize the grid’s operation by adhering to merit order principles approved by the state commission.
Deviation in the grid is calculated as the difference between actual and scheduled generation for sellers or actual and scheduled drawal for buyers. This calculation helps in determining the charges for deviations, which are settled weekly. The SLDC prepares detailed statements and accounts for these deviations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
To encourage timely payments and adherence to schedules, the regulation imposes strict timelines for payment of deviation charges. Buyers and sellers must pay the billed amounts within four days of receiving the statement of charges from the SLDC. Any delay in payment incurs interest charges, which increase if the payment is delayed beyond 15 days.
The regulation also mandates that all buyers and sellers who have previously failed to make timely payments must open a Letter of Credit (LC) equal to 110% of their average payable weekly liability for deviations in the previous financial year. This measure aims to secure payments and reduce the risk of defaults. In case of defaults, the SLDC is authorized to encash the LC and take further actions to recover the dues.
Additionally, the regulation provides for the creation of a State Power Systems Development Fund, which will be funded by surplus amounts in the State Deviation Pool Account. This fund is intended for the development of the power system in the state and will be operated and maintained by the SLDC. The SLDC is required to submit quarterly reports to the commission, detailing the grid behavior and any significant events affecting grid discipline.
The new regulation by the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the stability and reliability of the state’s power grid. It sets clear guidelines for scheduling, deviation settlement, and payment of charges, while also providing mechanisms to handle defaults and fund power system development. The regulation emphasizes transparency, accountability, and timely compliance to maintain grid discipline and security.
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