CERC paper proposes medium term access to inter-state grid

New Delhi, Jul 18 (UNI) Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has released a paper on Arranging Transmission for New Generating Stations, Captive Power Plants and Buyers of Electricity' for public discussion, which has kick started the long awaited process for providing medium term access on inter-state transmission system.

The paper has been released in the wake of massive requests received from the private sector for transmission access and recognising the urgency to bring all new generating stations under the fold of transmission planning so as to ensure timely evacuation of power.

The paper has proposed a methodology for arranging transmission for any new generating station, irrespective of ownership, captive power plants and buyers of electricity such as distribution utilities and open access consumers.

Besides, it has also designed a format for coordinated and practical approach assigning due responsibility to each agency in accordance with the Electricity Act, 2003. While the Central Transmission Utility (POWERGRID) shall be the nodal agency, the role of generating company-- State Transmission Utility and procurer of power has also been clearly defined.

For building inter-state transmission systems associated with new generating stations, irrespective of type and ownership, the paper has proposed a three stage approach.

In case the beneficiaries of a generating station have not been firmed up, the generating company could get the transmission system built by identifying its target region or beneficiaries, and the generating company would have to pay transmission charges for the facilities created for it by the transmission licensee, the release added.

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