The Centre is planning to slap penalties of crores of rupees on states that overdraw or under draw power than their allocated quota. The move is to ensure optimal functioning of electricity networks as last year it had suffered major grid failures and long duration of power cuts across many states. At present, the penalty imposed for non-compliance with the grid norms, especially overdrawal, is a few lakh rupees.
The Ministry had established a National Power Committee to ensure strict discipline as well as to resolve inter-state issues in utilization of electricity grids. The committee’s role would be crucial in evolving a common approach to issues related to reliability and security of the power grid system in the country, against the backdrop of growing complexity in managing them.
Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) - the technical and commercial rules that govern the utilisation of grids is expected to be amended to include more stringent norms. Amendments to the Code would also be significant considering that the government is working on connecting the Southern Grid with the National Grid.
