Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed to introduce a new chapter to the “Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, 2023” and is seeking public comments and suggestions to this effect.
Through a communication dated July 18, 2024, CEA has sought comments and suggestions from the public so as to reach the authority by August 16, 2024.
The incorporation of a new chapter (designated as Chapter 7) that will cover the planning procedure is understood to be the first amendment to the “Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, 2023” that came into effect on April 1, 2023.
The new chapter titled “Procedure for Planning of Electric Power Transmission System” extensively covers the detailed procedure for planning of transmission lines including both interstate transmission system (ISTS) and intrastate transmission system (InSTS) grids.
This new chapter only seeks to make the existing manual comprehensive; there are no amendments to the planning procedure of ISTS and InSTS projects, as such.
Details on the new chapter are available on CEA’s official website, and may be accessed here. (external link)
Role of CTUIL and NCT in ISTS projects
The role of Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) and National Committee of Transmission (NCT) in the development of ISTS schemes is summarized below, for general reference:
- ISTS schemes costing less than Rs.100 crore, along with their mode of implementation (whether TBCB or RTM), are approved by CTUIL, under intimation to NCT and Union ministry of power.
- ISTS schemes costing between Rs.100 crore and Rs.500 crore, along with their mode of implementation, are approved by NCT, under intimation to Union ministry of power.
- ISTS schemes costing more than Rs.500 crore, along with their mode of implementation, are referred to the Union ministry of power.
- After approval of the ISTS scheme by NCT or CTUIL, as the case may be, TBCB projects are allocated to bid process coordinators (BPC) through Gazette notification, while RTM projects are allocated to CTUIL.
- NCT appoints BPCs for all projects costing over Rs.100 crore and communicates with the corresponding BPC immediately so that BPCs can start survey work for the particular ISTS-TBCB project.
- BPCs are expected to complete the survey work for an ISTS-TBCB project within 60 days of their meeting with NCT.
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