The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued an updated version of the “Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, 2023” which includes Amendment-I. This manual outlines the planning philosophy and technical guidelines for developing a reliable and efficient electricity transmission system in India. This update was published on January 8, 2025.
The revised criteria apply to all new transmission systems planned after April 1, 2023. Existing systems can be reviewed and strengthened based on these guidelines.
The document emphasizes:
- Uniform approach to transmission planning for both Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and Intra-State Transmission System (Intra-STS).
- Ensuring system can handle various load-generation scenarios and credible contingencies.
- Matching transmission system development with generation and load growth to avoid unnecessary investments.
- Network access requirements from customers and utilities need to be submitted well in advance with justification.
Planning Considerations
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP): Utilizing the PMGS-NMP platform for optimal route planning to minimize environmental and social impact.
- Intra-State Transmission Planning: State Transmission Utility (STU) acts as the nodal agency for Intra-STS planning, coordinating with generators and distributors.
- Critical Loads: Redundant connections for critical infrastructure like hospitals, airports, and metro systems.
- Communication System: Planning and implementation of communication infrastructure in accordance with CEA regulations.
The Amendment-I modification emphasizes the consideration of “extreme/rare but credible contingencies” during system planning. While the system may not be designed for such rare events, suitable defense mechanisms need to be identified to mitigate potential impacts.
