Draft APSERC (State Grid Code) Regulations, 2025 Issued For Arunachal Pradesh

The Arunachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued the Draft APSERC (State Grid Code) Regulations, 2025, repealing the earlier 2018 regulations. These new regulations will extend to the entire state and will take effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The State Grid Code sets out the rules, guidelines, and standards to be followed by all users of the State Transmission System to ensure efficient and coordinated power system operation in line with the Indian Electricity Grid Code and the National Electricity Policy.

The objectives include defining the functions of the State Transmission Utility (STU), state generating companies, distribution licensees, independent power producers, captive power plants, and open access consumers connected to the grid. It also aims to improve grid stability, specify connectivity requirements for new entrants, standardize operational practices, and facilitate clear communication and data sharing between utilities. The Grid Code is binding on the STU, state generating stations, IPPs, transmission licensees, distribution licensees, open access customers, and other users of the intra-state transmission system.

The Code provides a structure with chapters covering general provisions, definitions, roles of organizations, system planning, connection conditions, system security, operational planning, commissioning, safety, scheduling and dispatch, outage planning, reporting, protection, metering, data registration, and miscellaneous provisions. Arunachal Pradesh operates in synchronism with the North Eastern Regional Grid, which includes Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The regulations clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the SLDC, STU, transmission licensees, distribution licensees, and generating companies. SLDC will act as the apex body for integrated grid operation, scheduling, dispatch, and real-time control. The STU will manage power evacuation, coordinate with multiple agencies, and ensure the development of an efficient transmission network. Distribution licensees must maintain efficient networks, share demand and energy forecasts, and coordinate with SLDC for operational control.

System planning will involve resource adequacy assessments, demand forecasting, and integrated planning with an emphasis on renewable integration, storage systems, and flexibility. STU will prepare and publish a transmission system plan annually, considering data from state constituents, CEA guidelines, and national policy documents. Planning criteria ensure that the network can withstand outages without load shedding or instability.

Connection conditions specify that all new or modified connections must meet minimum technical and operational criteria, comply with relevant CEA regulations, and ensure safe and reliable integration into the grid. Applicants must provide detailed technical data, communication facilities, and safety measures. There are also provisions for reactive power compensation, harmonic limits, cybersecurity, and renewable energy connectivity.

The Code enforces strict compliance and gives the Commission authority to settle disputes, approve amendments, and ensure alignment with the Indian Electricity Grid Code. A State Grid Code Review Committee will periodically review and recommend changes to the Code.