The Power Ministry will soon start making public details about progress made in strengthening electricity grids that is aimed at preventing instances like the recent grid failures.

The seven-member panel, chaired by the Central Electricity Authority Chairman A. S. Bakshi, in its report on the failure of the grids on July 30 and 31 has suggested a slew of measures to boost the performance and security of grids system.

The twin grid failures on July 30 and 31 had impacted more than half of the country’s population.

A senior Government official said the panel’s recommendations, including ways to prevent “undesirable operation” of electricity grids, are being considered seriously by the Power Ministry.

In a recent meeting, the Ministry took the decision that the progress of the recommendations made by the committee would be made public. The updates are likely to be made public on a monthly basis, the official told PTI.

The panel, set up by the Power Ministry, had observed that “no single factor” was responsible for grid disturbances on July 30 and 31.

In its report submitted to the Power Ministry last month, the panel had suggested an extensive review and audit of the protection systems to avoid their undesirable operation.

Aimed at preventing the practice of overdrawal from the grid, the committee had also emphasised the need to review penal provisions (under the 2003 Electricity Act) to “ensure better compliance of instructions of Load Desptach Centres and directions of Central Commission”.

Load Despatch Centres are responsible for real time monitoring of the frequency and flow of electricity in the grids.

Another panel suggestion was granting more autonomy to all Load Despatch Centres so that they can take and implement decisions relating to operation and security of the grid.

“To avoid congestion in the intra-State transmission system, planning and investment at the State-level need to be improved,” the panel had said.

Further, there was a recommendation for having a separate task force — involving experts from academics, power utilities and system operators — to carry out a detailed analysis of the present grid conditions as well as anticipated scenarios that could lead to disturbances.

“The committee may identify medium and long-term corrective measures as well as technological solutions to improve the health of the grid,” the report had said.

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