Draft Amendment To CEA’s Manual On Transmission Planning Criteria 2023: Enhancing India’s Electric Power Transmission System

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) of India has issued a draft amendment to the Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, 2023. The original manual, which became effective on April 1, 2023, lays down the procedures and parameters for planning electric power transmission systems in the country. The draft amendment, referred to as Amendment-I, proposes the addition of a new chapter and updates to certain conductor parameters. This amendment is open for public comment until August 16, 2024.

The primary objective of this amendment is to ensure that the transmission system is developed in alignment with the growth of generation and load, minimizing wasteful investments. The CEA will prepare both short-term and perspective plans annually, considering the inputs from various stakeholders such as Central Transmission Utility (CTU), State Transmission Utilities (STUs), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Regional Power Committees (RPCs), Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and others.

The planning process involves several key steps. Firstly, the CTU is responsible for preparing the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) plan, which will cover a period of up to five years, updated annually. This plan will be developed in consultation with various stakeholders, including state governments and generating companies. Similarly, the STUs will act as the nodal agencies for intra-state transmission system (In-STS) planning, coordinating with distribution licensees and intra-state generators.

A significant aspect of the planning process is the utilization of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP). This digital platform aids in integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure projects. It facilitates optimal route planning of transmission lines, avoiding crossings of railways, highways, restricted areas, forests, and other sensitive zones.

The amendment outlines that all new transmission lines must have an integrated communication plan, essential for the safe and reliable operation of the grid. The communication systems should comply with the relevant technical standards and be operational at the time of commissioning the transmission system.

To ensure effective implementation, a detailed timeline for the preparation of short-term and perspective plans is provided. This involves data collection from various stakeholders by April 30 each year, followed by analysis, load flow studies, preparation of draft reports, stakeholder meetings, and finalization of the report by December 31.

The draft amendment also emphasizes the need for coordination among different planning entities. For instance, the CEA will prepare the National Electricity Plan every five years, which will serve as a basis for short-term and perspective transmission plans. These plans will consider the growth of the transmission system, adoption of new technologies, and the need for system upgrades.

The amendment highlights the importance of using existing transmission assets optimally. It suggests exploring options like reconductoring existing lines or adding new lines to avoid overloading and ensure the reliability of the transmission network. Additionally, it stresses the need for STUs to plan and implement their downstream networks in a timeframe that aligns with the inter-state transmission system.

Overall, the draft Amendment-I to the Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria aims to enhance the planning and development of India’s electric power transmission system. It seeks to ensure that the transmission infrastructure keeps pace with the country’s growing generation capacity and electricity demand, while also optimizing resource utilization and minimizing environmental and social impacts. Public and stakeholder engagement is encouraged to refine and finalize the amendment, ensuring it meets the needs of the power sector and the general public.