CEA norms key to grid discipline, says SRPC Member-Secretary
Asit Singh, Member-Secretary of the Southern Regional Power Committee (SRPC), on Wednesday called for stricter grid discipline, stressing that compliance with Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regulations is vital for smooth project implementation and reliable power sector operations.
Delivering the keynote address at a regional workshop on CEA Regulations and Technical Standards, organised by the CEA in collaboration with NTPC Limited, he said adherence to drawal schedules and regulatory norms has become a “non-negotiable” requirement to safeguard national energy security in an increasingly complex grid environment.
Mr. Singh observed that the rapid growth of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, has introduced significant variability into the grid, posing new operational challenges. He said this shift demands a transformation in the functioning of conventional utilities, with thermal stations such as NTPC Simhadri expected to operate with greater flexibility and responsiveness to balance fluctuations in supply and demand.
Highlighting emerging risks, he noted that, with the ongoing digitisation of the power sector, cyber resilience has become as crucial as physical grid stability. He urged utilities to regularly update and align their Crisis Management Plans with the latest CEA Standard Operating Procedures to effectively respond to potential cyber threats and system disturbances.
The workshop witnessed participation from over 100 senior officials, engineers, and domain experts representing key utilities such as Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), and Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (TGGENCO), along with representatives from private sector power companies.
Earlier, Ayaskanta Jena, Head of Project at NTPC Simhadri, welcomed the gathering and expressed gratitude to the CEA for choosing Visakhapatnam as the venue. He noted that such knowledge-sharing platforms help strengthen coordination among utilities and enhance compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.
Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the CEA and ex officio Secretary to the Union Government, in his address, emphasised the need for continuous learning and a deeper understanding of CEA regulations to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the national grid. He said adherence to technical standards plays a crucial role in preventing grid disturbances and improving overall system performance.
Supporting this view, Bidya Nand Jha, Executive Director, NTPC, underscored the importance of strict implementation of regulations across the entire power value chain, from generation and transmission to distribution, especially in the current grid scenario marked by increasing demand and renewable integration.
In a detailed technical presentation, L. K. S. Rathore, Chief Engineer (Regulatory Affairs), CEA, highlighted the need for proactive adoption of standards and timely compliance to ensure grid safety, system reliability, and seamless integration of renewable energy sources.
The workshop concluded with a series of technical sessions focusing on safety protocols, advanced metering practices, and cybersecurity preparedness, reinforcing a collective commitment among stakeholders to operational excellence and a resilient power grid in the southern region.