The newly-formed Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) has been empowered to approve interstate transmission scheme (ISTS) project with an outlay of up to Rs.100 crore.
This was one more step in the series of reforms being carried out by the power ministry. The move is meant to fast-track transmission projects associated with renewable energy evacuation.
Currently, all ISTS systems are approved by the Union power ministry based on the recommendation of the National Committee on Transmission (NCT).
In the revised framework, there has been delegation of power. Accordingly,
- ISTS schemes up to Rs.100 crore will be approved by CTUIL
- ISTS schemes between Rs.100 crore and Rs.500 crore will be approved by NCT
- ISTS schemes above Rs.500 crore will be approved by the Union power ministry
How NCT works
The NCT is mandated to propose expansion of ISTS to ministry of power for approval after assessing the trend of growth in demand and generation in various regions, constraints, if any, in the interstate, interregional transfer of power, which are likely to arise in the near term/medium term.
NCT is headed by Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and comprises representatives of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, NITI Aayog, Central Transmission Utility, Power System Operation Corporation and two experts.
RPC-TP dissolved
In the ISTS planning and approval process, there were two regional committees namely Regional Power Committee (RPC) and Regional Power Committee (Transmission Planning) (RPC-TP) which had to be consulted separately, which delayed the process of planning and approval of ISTS. In order to avoid duplication in regional consultation and to reduce the time taken for planning process, RPC-TP has been dissolved and term of reference of RPC is being modified to facilitate regional consultation in ISTS planning and approval process. It has been provided that CTU after consulting RPC shall submit the proposal for expansion of ISTS to the NCT for their consideration. Further, for proposal up to Rs.500 crore, prior consultation with RPC would not be required.
The new functioning
After considering the recommendations of the CTU and views of the RPCs, the NCT shall propose expansion of ISTS. NCT shall examine the cost of the proposed ISTS scheme, and formulate the packages for the proposed transmission schemes for their implementation. NCT meetings are to be held every quarter, and monthly, if required.
Featured photograph (source: Vikram Solar) is for representation only.
