CENTRAL ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

NEW DELHI
Petition No. 220/MP/2012
Coram:
Shri V.S Verma, Member
Shri M. Deena Dayalan, Member
Date of Hearing:
Date of order:

20.6.2013
21.2.2014

In the matter of
Miscellaneous Petition for approval under Regulation 24, 111 & 113 of the Central
Electricity Regulatory Commission (Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1999 and under
section 79( c), (i) and (k) of Electricity Act, 2003 for seeking direction for implementation
of third party audit report on protection Scheme of Transmission System of Northern
Region and Western Region.
And
In the matter of
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited,
B-9, Qutab Institutional Area,
Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi- 110016

.Petitioner

Vs
1. Northern Regional Power Committee
Central Electricity Authority,
18-A, Qutab Institutional Area, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg,
Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi- 110016
2. Eastern Regional Power Committee
Central Electricity Authority,
14, Golf Club Road, Tollygunge,
Kolkata- 700033.
3. North Eastern Regional Power Committee
Central Electricity Authority,
Meghalaya State Housing Finance Co-operative Society Limited Building
Nongrim Hills, Shillong- 793003.
4. Southern Regional Power Committee
Central Electricity Authority,
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 1 of 30

No.29 Race course cross road,

Bangalore- 560009.
5. Western Regional Power Committee
Central Electricity Authority,
F-3, MIDC Area, Andheri, Mumbai- 400093.
6. CMD, NTPC Limited
CORE-7, Scope Complex,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi
7. CMD, Delhi Transco Limited,
Shakti Sadan, Kotla Marg,
New Delhi- 110002.

8. CMD, Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited,

Shakti Bhavan, 14 Ashok Marg,
Lucknow- 226007
9. CMD, HaryanaVidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited
Shakti Bhavan, Sector-6, Panchkula
Haryana- 134109.

10. Commissioner (Power),

Power Development Department,
Grid Substation Complex,
Jammu, J&K
11. CMD, Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited,
Urja Bhavan, Shivaji Marg,
Bhopal- 462016.
12. CMD, BBMB,
Sector-19 B, Madhya Marg,
SLDC Complex,
Industrial Area, Phase-I
Chandigarh- 160019.
13. MD, HPGCL,
Urja Bhavan, C-7, Sector-6, HPGCL, Panchkula
Haryana- 134109.
14. CEO, POSOCO
B-9, Qutab Institutional Area,
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 2 of 30

Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi- 110016

..Respondents

The following were present:

Shri J. Mazumdar, PGCIL
Shri Shashi Bhushan, PGCIL
Shri A.V.S Ramesh, PGCIL
Shri B.L. Gujar, DTL
Shri B.S. Bairwa, NRPC
Shri Vijay Kumar, NRPC
Shri Padamjit Singh, PSPCL
Shri K.K.Hatwal, THDCIL
Shri Rajiv Govil, THDCIL
Shri R.B.Sharma, JSEB and SLDC, Bhubneswar

ORDER
The petitioner, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, has filed this petition with
the following prayers:

"(a) Issue necessary direction to Regional Power Committee (RPC) for ensuring
the rectification of deficiencies observed during the protection audit and
implementation of all the protection and control system in line with the notification
dated 20th August, 2010 and monitoring of their healthiness for improvement of
stability and reliability of the grid by respective constituents;
(b) Issue necessary direction to RPC for review of various settings of protection
systems in view of changes / modification in the system / grid for stable and
reliable operation of integrated grid; and

(c) Pass such other relief as the Commission deems fit and appropriate in the
circumstances of the case and in the interest of justice.

2.

Gist of the submissions of the petitioner is as under:

(a)

Consequent to grid disturbance on 30.7.2012 and 31.7.2012 a meeting

was convened by Minister of Power, Govt. of India with Chief Ministers/ Power
Ministers of different States of the Northern Region. In the said meeting, various

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 3 of 30

resolutions were adopted to ensure smooth and reliable grid operation including
an independent third party audit of the protection systems. Ministry of power vide
its Memorandum No. 17.1.2012-OM dated 7.8.2012 directed that independent
third party audit of protection scheme shall be carried out within one month and
the Regional Power Committee shall monitor the same. PGCIL would fund and
carry out the audit in first instance.

(b)

The protection audit was carried out by Central Power Research Institute

(CPRI) in respect of 23 sub-stations in phase-I and 17 sub-stations in phase-II

and audit was in progress in 40 sub-stations in phase-III and phase-IV. The
protection audit basically covered the performance and availability of Instrument
Transformers, Protection systems, DC system and various auxiliaries, under
frequency and df/dt relays and Special Protection Schemes at various substations.

(c)
The protection audit carried out at the stations of various utilities is as
under:
(a) Phase - I and II
Sl. No.

Name of the Utility

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

UPPTCL
POWERGRID
NTPC
HVPNL
BBMB
PDD
DTL
RGTPP
MPPTCL

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Sub-station/
Switchyard
17
12
2
2
2
2
1
1
1

Page 4 of 30

Phase III and IV

(b)

Sl. No.

Name of the Utility

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

POWERGRID
NHPC
NTPC
RVPNL
UPRVUNL
NJPC
THDC
UPPCL
JPHYDRO
PSTCL
LANCO
Phase V and VI

(c )

(d)

Sub-station/
Switchyard
24
8
5
4
3
1
1
1
1
1
1

Sl. No.

Name of the Utility

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

POWERGRID
BBMP
RRVPNL
HPGCL
RUVNL
PSTCL
UPRVUNL
UPCL
JAYPEE
PSPCL
UJVNL
HPSEB
NPCIL
NTPC
UPPTCL
PDD

Sub-station/
Switchyard
10
4
4
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
3
1

The Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of

Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) Regulations, 2010 inter-alia provides that

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

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installation of protection and control systems in all the transmission systems are
necessary to minimize the damage to the equipment in the event of faults and
abnormal conditions. The relevant portion of the above regulations is extracted
hereunder:
(4) Protection and Control
(a) Protective Relaying System
Adequately sectionalized and graded protection relaying system shall be
provided for transmission lines, transformers and bus bars so as to automatically
isolate the faulty equipment and, thus, minimize the damage to the equipment in
the event of faults and abnormal conditions. All main protection relays shall be of
numerical type and communication protocol shall be as per IEC-61850/relevant
IS.
(b) Grouping of protection
(i) The protection functions shall be subdivided into two groups each being
independent and capable of providing uninterrupted protection even in the event
of one of the protection groups failing. Wherever two sets of DC sources are
available, the relays shall be electrically and physically segregated into two
groups (Gr. A and Gr. B) to obtain redundancy, and to take protection systems
out for maintenance while the equipment remains in service. Grouping shall be
done to the extent possible in such a way that each group can independently
carry out protective functions with near equal redundancy. Interconnection
between these two groups shall not generally be attempted. However, if found
absolutely necessary such interconnection shall be kept to the bare minimum.
(ii) Even in cases when only one battery source is available, segregation of
protection and trip circuits in two groups may be considered by giving DC
supplies through separate fuses.
(c) The protection in respect of transmission lines, transformers, reactors and bus
bars are indicated in Schedule V.
(d) Disturbance recorders, Event loggers and time synchronizations equipments
Each 765 kV, 400 kV and 220 kV line shall be provided with facility for
disturbance recording, distance to fault location and time synchronizing
equipment (TSE). Event logger either stands alone or as part of substation or
switchyard automation system shall be provided for each 220 kV and higher
voltage class substation or switchyard. TSE complete with antenna, all cables,
processing equipment etc. shall be provided to receive synchronizing pulse
through global positioning system (GPS) compatible for synchronization of event
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

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logger, disturbance recorder and SCADA / automation system of the substation

or switchyard.
(e) Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC): Power line carrier communication
(PLCC) equipment complete for speech transmission, line protection and data
channels shall be provided on each transmission line of voltage rating 132 kV
and higher. The protection system for 400 kV and higher voltage transmission
line and the line compensating equipment shall have one hundred percent back
up communication channels. Each 765 kV or 400 kV or 220 kV line shall be
provided with two protection channels in addition to one speech plus data
channel for each direction. In case of 220 kV or 132 kV lines, the speech and
data channel can also be used for protection wherever possible. The generating
company and the transmission licensee shall co-ordinate with each other and
ensure the compatibility of PLCC equipment at their respective ends. Optionally,
the above functionally may be achieved using wide band communication based
on optical ground wire (OPGW) or any other technology.
(f) Control Concept: All the breakers in substations and switching stations shall be
controlled and synchronized from the switchyard control room or control room of
the generating station. Disconnectors of 220 kV and higher rating shall have
control from remote as well as local whereas the earth switches shall have local
control only. Disconnetors and associated earth switches shall be provided with
electrical as well as constructional mechanical interlocks. Provision for operation
of circuit breakers and disconnectors from remote control stations may also be
provided wherever required.

(e)

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code),

Regulations, 2010 (Grid Code) provides that every transmission licensee shall
comply with such technical standards of operation and maintenance of
transmission lines as may be specified by the Authority.

(f)

Regulation 2.4 of the Grid Code defines the role of RPC. Regulation

2.4.2(f) provides as under:

(f)

To undertake operational planning studies including protection studies for stable

operation of the grid.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

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(g)

The CPRI submitted on 30.10.2012 the deficiencies and the summary of

protection audit carried out by CPRI for different utilities/sub-stations as per the
details given below:

(a)

Replacement of balance Static Distance Protection Relays in line

with Gazette Notification of GOI to be ensured.

(b)

LBB protection and Bus bar protection needs to be made available

and functional.

(c)

PLCC with Protection coupler feeders needs to be available and

functional.

(d)

Auto Reclose feature, Disturbance recorders and Event Loggers to

be made functional.

(e)

Earth Fault in DC System to be attended.

(f)

Synchronizing of GPS clock with Numerical Relays Disturbance

Recorders and Event Loggers.

(g)

Directional Earth Fault feature to be enabled in Numerical relays.

(h)

REF protection for transformers needs to be made functional.

(i)

Annunciation Scheme, Under Frequency and df/dt relays to be

made functional.

(j)

Synchronization facility needs to be made available; and

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

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(k)

3.

Availability of duplicate DC source and auxiliary supply.

The petitioner vide its affidavit dated 9.1.2013 has submitted that the third party

audit report containing deficiencies in different sub-stations has already been circulated
to all concerned utilities including Member Secretary of respective RPCs. The petitioner
has further submitted that entity wise/Organization wise details of the deficiencies, as
observed by CPRI, have already been submitted to

the Commission along with the

petition.

4.

During the hearing on 22.1.2013, all respondents were directed to file their

replies and action plan in the matter latest by 8.2.2013. Member Secretaries of all
RPCs were directed to submit the reports on action taken on protection audit along with
time frame of implementation for recommendations of protection audit.

5.

Replies to the petition have been filed by the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam

Limited, U.P Power Transmission Corporation Limited, Delhi Transco Limited, NTPC
Limited, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited, North Eastern Regional
Power Committee, Eastern Regional Power Committee, Western Regional Power
Committee and Bhakra Beas Management Board.

6.

Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL) vide its affidavit dated

19.11.2012 has submitted that control area protection audit at 400 kV / 220kV Kirori and
400 kV Khedar was carried out by CPRI. HVPNL has complied with the Grid Code and
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 9 of 30

CEA`s Regulations. HVPNL has submitted that no sub-station has been commissioned
without protection system and control system. HVPVL in its further affidavit dated
28.2.2013

has submitted that in compliance of the Protection Audit report,

PLCC

protection channels along with protection coupler and Bus-Bar Protection of 400 kV
Kirori sub-station and its 220 kV feeders as mentioned in the audit report have been
rectified.

7.

U.P Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL) in its affidavit dated

12.2.2013 has submitted that replacement of old protection relay panels with new ones
is not always possible. UPPTCL is contemplating to replace only old/static relays with
numeric relays through retrofitting. The whole process may, however, take 9 to 12
month's time i.e. till February, 2014. UPPTCL has submitted the zone-wise actions
taken in the State to rectify the deficiencies along with action plan.

8.

Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) in its affidavit dated 11.2.2013 has submitted that

some deficiencies in respect of Bamnauli sub-station were pointed out in the report of
basic protection audit. The defects pointed out by the audit have been partially rectified.
However, full rectification work may take 6 to 14 months i.e. till April, 2014.

9.
report

NTPC Limited vide its affidavit dated 13.2.2013 has submitted that compliance
and

action plan for Protection Audit for NTPC stations have already been

submitted to respective RPCs. NTPC has annexed region wise reports/action plan with
its reply.

NTPC has submitted that the rectification/replacement of relay shall take

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 10 of 30

about 9 to 12 months i.e. till February, 2014. However, minor defects shall be attended
within 3 to 4 months i.e. by June, 2013.

10.

Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (RRVPNL) vide its affidavit

dated 26.2.2013 has submitted that the deficiencies observed in Phase- III, IV, V and
VI are not related to any mal operation or shortcoming of the protection systems.
Further, no indiscriminate tripling related to the grid failure was observed on 30 th and
31st July, 2012 in RVPNL System. The protection settings recommended by NRPC
particularly for power swing detection and all zone blocking has already been done by
RVPNL.

11.

Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) vide its affidavit dated 8.8.2013 has

submitted as under:

(a)

The updated status of action plan is submitted to the Member

Secretary, NRPC fortnightly.

(b)

For 400 kV sub-Stations at Panipat and Bhiwani, procurement and

commissioning of balance static distance protection relays at 400 kV

Panipat sub-Station and event logger at 400 kV Bhiwani sub-Station would
be completed by 2013-14.

(c)

For 400 kV sub-Station at Dehar, purchase and commissioning of

balance static distance protection relays will be carried out during 2013-14

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 11 of 30

while the Auto-recloser feature will be commissioned within a year (ending

2013).
(d)

For 220 kV sub-stations at Jamalpur, Sayampur, Ch. Dadri and

Ganguwal, purchase and commissioning of balance static distance

protection relays will be carried out during 2013-14 while GPS system,
Event Logger are likely to be commissioned by December, 2013 at the
four sub-stations.
(e)

Bus-bar protection and service road execution and water logging

prevention system at Ch. Dadri sub-station will be commissioned by

31.7.2013 and December, 2013, respectively.
(f)

DG set at 220 kV MISS Ganguwal will be commissioned by end of

September, 2013 while synchronization facility and PLCC at 220 kV

Ganguwal sub-station will be in place by 2013-14.

12.

Northern Regional Power Committee (NRPC) vide affidavit dated 24.1.2013 has

submitted as under:

(a)

Out of 132 Number of sub-stations covered by CPRI in the

protection audit, 46 numbers of sub-stations belong to the petitioner.

Further, the petitioner is a member of NRPC and is therefore, fully aware of
the deliberations and actions being taken at NRPC level.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 12 of 30

(b)

NRPC Secretariat vide its FAX dated 9.1.2013 had requested

heads of all the utilities which were covered in the protection audit to submit
fortnightly report in the prescribed format.

13.

Southern Regional Power Committee (SRPC) vide affidavit dated 15.2.2013 has

submitted as under:

(a)

In the 20th SRPC meeting held on 28.9.2012, the Committee had

approved third party audit in respect of 194 identified critical sub-stations in the
region.
(b)

The third party audit was concluded on 22.12.2012 with the active

participation of all the utilities in the region.

(c)

SRPC has furnished the summary of time schedule and assessment of

funds by the utilities, namely APGENCO, APTRANSCO, KPTCL, KSEB,

TANTRANSCO, NTPC, PGCIL, NCL, NPCIL and KPCL in Southern Region
along with its reply. According to SPRC, the rectification /replacement of relay
may take about 1 to 2 year. However, minor defects may be attended within 1 to
6 months i.e. by August, 2013.

(d)

As per assessment of funds by SR utilities, a total of ` 158 crore (Approx.)

shall be required for rectification /replacement of relay.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 13 of 30

14.

North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC) vide its affidavit dated

14.2.2013 has submitted as under:

(a)

As per recommendation of enquiry committee constituted by Ministry of

Power (Govt. of India) and headed by Chairperson, CEA, due to fund constraint,
independent third party protection audit was planned taking representations from
various

State

utilities,

NERPC/NERLDC

and

Central

Utilities

(NEEPCO/PGCIL/NHPC) in the region.

(b)

In NER, there are about 135 generating stations and sub-stations of 132

kV and above voltage class. The protection audit was planned in consultation
with NERLDC, STU, CTU and generating companies of NER. As on date,
protection audit in respect of about 100 sub-stations/generating stations has
been completed and rest of work is likely to be completed by February, 2013.
(c)

After completion of protection audit, the deficiencies in NER system will be

highlighted and discussed in OCC/PCC meetings. The course of action and time
frame of implementation of recommendations of protection audit will be planned
accordingly. The report on Protection Audit along with recommendations will be
submitted by 31.3.2013.

15.

North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC) vide its affidavit dated

7.10.2013 has further submitted as under:

(a)

The first phase of protection audit covering eleven (11) sub-stations

/generating stations in the State of Tripura was completed on 21.12.2012 and

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 14 of 30

rest of work was completed by February, 2013. The details of number of SubStations/generating stations of 132 kV and above voltage class in seven (7) State
Sector Utilities and four (4) Central Sector Utilities of the NE region are as under:

State Sector Utilities/ Central

Sector Utilities in the Region

Number of SubStations/generating stations

400 kV
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Manipur
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland
Tripura
POWERGRID
NEEPCO
NHPC
OPTC
TOTAL
(b)

220 kV
1
9

4
1

2
2

132 kV
4
39
9
19
7
6
13
9
4
1

1
7

14

111

Total No. of
subStations

5
48
9
20
7
6
13
15
7
1
1
132

After completion of protection audit, the deficiencies in NER system and

recommendations for improvement of whole system in the report were

highlighted and discussed in detail in OCC/PCC meetings.
(c)

For time frame for implementation of recommendations of Protection

Audit, DPR with cost estimate and action plan has to be prepared by STUs and
generating companies as per direction of Ministry of Power and Central
Electricity Authority

(d)

For implementation of recommendations of protection audit, the fund

requirement in respect of each sub-station and generating station of State Utility

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 15 of 30

and Generating Company would be worked out based on findings of protection

audit team and taking into account following broad areas:
(i)

Modification in switching scheme;

(ii)

Replacement of existing EM/Static relays by numerical relays/ Bay

Control and Protection Units (BC and PUs) and Sub-station Automation
System (SAM) and providing TSE, DR and EL;
(iii)

Replacement of old obsolete equipments and material;

(iv)

Establishment of reliable communication link and providing carrier

inter-trip facility;
(v)

Improvement of DG system and providing DG set;

(vi)

Improving existing earthing system;

(vii)

Providing

required

fire

fighting

system/arrangement

for

transformers/reactors;

(e)

(viii)

Providing modern diagnostic tools;

(ix)

Any other improvement required

Funding is the major constraint for implementation of recommendations of

protection audit. However, if fund is made available from PSDF/funded by

Government of India/any other source, the work can be executed within 2 to 3
years. Moreover, without financial support, it would not be possible by the
constituent States to take up work for rectification of various deficiencies.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 16 of 30

16.

Eastern Regional Power Committee (ERPC) vide its affidavit dated 20.6.2013

has submitted as under:

(a)

The third party Protection Audit has been completed in all 400 kV sub-

station and 23 nos. of critical sub-stations at 200 kV.

(b)

The utility has taken necessary action to replace/rectify the deficiencies

observed. Out of 24 sub-stations, replacement/ rectification works would be

completed between May to October, 2013 at most of the sub-stations.
(c)

4 sub-stations of NTPC, replacement/rectification work would be

completed by end of December, 2013.

(d)

DVC has furnished the action/compliance plans for 10 sub-stations for

replacement/rectification of deficiencies observed in the Audit Report. He has

stated that deficiencies will be rectified shortly.
(e)

WBSETCL/WBPDCL has furnished the action/compliance plans for 10

sub-stations for replacement/rectification of deficiencies observed in the Audit

Report. According to it, delivery of some of the equipments is expected soon.

(f)

OPTCL/OHPC has submitted action/compliance plans for 10 sub-stations

for replacement/rectification of deficiencies observed in the Audit Report. OPTCL

has further submitted that procurement of equipments for some of the substations is under process while at some stations equipments will be
commissioned by September, 2013.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 17 of 30

(g)

According to NHPC, voice communication between ERLDC and Teesta-V

station, which was installed on 25.1.2012, is working satisfactorily.

(h)

BSEB has stated that the procurement plan for rectification/replacement is

in process at some of the stations while at some stations, recommendations of

third party audit observations will be implemented soon.
(i)

Among the IPPs, Maithon has submitted that PLCC has been rectified by

PGCIL. Maithon and PLCC protection of both channels is now in service. GMR
and Sterlite have not submitted any action/compliance plan for their 400 kV substations.
(j)

According to JSEB, equipments are available at some of the stations and

will be enabled shortly while estimates are being prepared for remaining
equipments to be replaced/ rectified.

17.

Western Regional Power Committee (WRPC) vide its submission dated

20.12.2013 has submitted as under:

(a)

As per audit report submitted

by PGCIL in respect of Protection

Audit by CPRI for 42 sub-stations, only Bina (PG) sub-station comes

under WR and the petitioner has complied with the audit observation for
the same.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 18 of 30

(b)

In pursuance of Enquiry Committee recommendations of grid

disturbance of 30.7.2012 and 31.7.2012, protection audit was completed

by utilities involving third party by April, 2013. The complete status on the
protection audit was regularly furnished to CE (GM), CEA/MoP with
respect to protection audit and also other aspects of recommendation.

18.

SRPC in its letter dated 31.12.2013 has submitted that CEA has sought DPR in

respect

of

Renovation

and

Up-gradation

of

Protection

Equipment

at

the

substation/switchyard within 15.4.2013. Accordingly, the utilities of SR have submitted

the DPR for the above at a total estimate of about ` 665 crore. In the 22th and 23rd
SRPC meetings held on 18.5.2013 and 26.10.2013 respectively, members had
requested for 100% funding from PSDF. Chairperson, SRPC by letter dated 10.12.2013
has requested Secretary (Power) for support from PSDF with provision for retroactive
funding.

19.

NERPC has stated that the issue was discussed in 15th meeting of Protection

Sub-committee. SE(O) informed that the estimated cost projected in DPR for
rectification/renovations of sub-stations/generating stations of seven States of the
region is about ` 816 crore. Member-Secretary, I/C requested to all constituent States
of the region to take up the issue with their respective Power Ministry for approaching
the Ministry of Power, Government of India so that funding under NLCPR-Central is
approved at the earliest and the scheme is implemented early for smooth operation of
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 19 of 30

grid. However, the petitioner stated that certain works need to be carried out on urgent
basis by NER constituents even if funding is not available from external resources in
order to avoid unwarranted tripping/system isolation and smooth operation of the grid.
The Sub-committee requested to all constituent States to take up the matter with their
respective Power Ministry so that funding for execution of above work is made available
from NLCPR-Central to the constituent States of the region at the earliest.

20.

We have considered the submissions of the petitioner, respondents, NRPC,

WRPC, SRPC, ERPC and NERPC and the Third Party Protection Audit Report
conducted by CPRI in association with the petitioner consequent to the grid
disturbances on 30/31.7.2012 to ensure smooth and reliable Grid operation at some
critical sub-stations identified by POSOCO. The summary of current status of
implementation of recommendations submitted by RPCs are tabulated below:

(1)

Western Region

Name of Sub-station
Bina (PG)

Status ( as on 20.12.2013)
(1) Audit completed in respect of Bina (PG) Substation, the only Sub-station of Western Region
figuring in the protection audit.
(2) POWERGRID has complied with the audit
observation.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 20 of 30

(2)

Southern Region

Name of Substation covered

194 sub-stations
under APGENCO,
APTRANSCO,
KPTCL,
KSEB,
TANTRANSCO,
NTPC,
POWERGRID,
NLC,
NPCIL,
KPCL

Status ( as on 30.12.2013)
(1) Audit completed in respect of 194 Sub-stations in
Southern Region by 22.12.2012.
(2) Minor defects may be attended within 1-6 months
and rectification/replacement may take 1 to 2 years.
(3) ` 665 crore (para 18) is required to take up the
work.
(4) Southern Region members have requested for 100 %
funding from PSDF.
(5) In 23rd SRPC meeting, utilities have agreed to carry
out implementation of recommendations relating to the
audit as per prioritization in phased manner.

(3) North -Eastern Region

Name of Substation covered
132 Sub-stations
under Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam,
Manipur,
Meghalaya,
Mizoram,
Nagaland, Tripura,
POWERGRID,
NEEPCO, NHPC,
OPTCL
(4)

Status (as on 6.12.2013)

(1) Audit completed in respect of 132 Sub-station in
North-Eastern Region by February, 2013.
(2) DPR with cost estimates and action plan for
implementation of recommendations of audit is to be
prepared by STUs and Generating companies.
(3) ` 816 crore (para 19) is required to take up the work.
(4) North-Eastern members have requested for 100 %
funding under NLCPR-Central.

Eastern Region

Name of SubStatus
station covered
Sub-stations under (1) Complied with observations at some of the stations.
POWERGRID
(2) Numerical relays at Subhashgarm 400 kV S/S will be
replaced by November, 2013.
(3) Voice communication with RLDC at Gaya 765 kV S/S
will be available by October, 2013.
(4) PLCC and Voice communication with RLDC at Patna
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 21 of 30

400 kV S/S will be available by September and October,

2013.
(5) Voice communication with RLDC at Muzaffarpur 400
kV S/S and Ara 220 kV S/S will be available by October,
2013.

Sub-stations under
NTPC

(5) Bus-bar protection at Birpara 220 kV S/S will be

installed by November, 2013.
(1) Complied with observations at some of the stations.
(2) Static relays will be replaced with numerical relays at
Farakha STP 400 kV S/S, Kaniha TSTPS 400 kV S/S
and Kahalgaon 400 kV S/S by December, 2013.

Sub-stations under
DVC

(3) Work is under progress and is likely to be completed

by December, 2013.
(1) Observations implemented at some of the stations
and preliminary process has been initiated at other
stations to implement observations.
(2) No time frame has been given.

Sub-stations under (1) Some of the equipments have been rectified and
procurement process is going on to rectify others.
WBSETCL
/WBPDCL
(2) Bus Bar protection (220 kV) at Kolaghat will be
available by July, 2014.

Sub-stations under
OPTCL/OHPC

(3) No time frame has been given for rectification of

equipments at other Sub-stations.
(1) For some of the equipments tentative date of
commissioning is 31.12.2013.
(2) Event logger at Theruvali 220 kV S/S is likely to be
commissioned by September, 2013.

Sub-stations under
NHPC (Teesta-V
400 kV substation)
Sub-stations under
JSEB
(Ramchandrapur
220 kV, Chandil
220 kV, TVNL 220
kV)

(3) Action is being taken for procurement of other

equipments but time frame for implementation is not
given.
(1) Complied with observations of audit report.
(2) Voice communication with ERLDC is working
satisfactorily.
(1) Bus Bar protection, Voice and data communication
to SLDC Local Breaker backup, Event logger,
Synchronization facility, PLCC, Earthing switches and
Auto reclosing features are not available.
(2) Works are under process of implementation. Some of
them may be available shortly. No time frame has been

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 22 of 30

given.
Sub-stations under (1) Bus Bar protection at Bodhgaya 220 kV S/S and
BSEB (Bodhgaya Biharshariff 220 kV S/S (132 kV level) is not available.

220
Biharshariff
kV)

kV,
220 (2) Local Breaker backup, Event logger, Synchronization

facility, PLCC, Earthing switches and Auto reclosing

features are not available at both Sub-stations.

(3) Equipments are under process of procurement. No

time frame has been given.
Sub-stations under (1) Voice communication will be made available by Sept.
2013 by GMR.
IPPs
(2) PLCC has been rectified by POWEGRID at Maithon.
(3) Sterlite has complied with the recommendations.

(5)

Northern Region

Name of Substation
Covered
46 Sub-stations
under
POWERGRID
21 Sub-stations
under UPPTCL
and 4 substations under
UPRVUNL

Status

As on 20.11.2013, POWERGRID has complied with

observations.
(1) As on 16.12.2013 at UPPTCL Sub-stations:

(i) Bus Bar protection at Sarojini Nagar will be

completed by January, 2014, at Sultanpur,
Chinhat, Muzaffarnagar, Muradabad, G. Noida,
Sarnath, Gorakhpur, Mau, Azamgarh and
Fatehpur will be completed by June, 2014.
(ii) LBB
protection
at Panki, Moradabad,
Muradnagar, G. Noida, Mau, Muzaffarnagar,
Lucknow will be completed by November, 2013.
(iii) PLCC problems at most of the stations will be
rectified by December, 2013.
(2) As on 16.12.2013 at UPRVUNL Sub-stations:

(i) Bus Bar protection, DR&EL and earth fault

have been rectified except Anpara by January,
2014 and at Obra (A) by March, 2014
(ii) PLCC problem will be rectified at Anpara by
December, 2013 and at Harduaganj and Obra
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

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1 switchyard
under Lanco
1 sub-station
under DTL
(Bamnauli)
3 Sub-stations
under HPGCL
and 1 substation under
HVPNL
8 Sub-stations
under RRVPNL
and 2 substations under
RRVUNL
3 Sub-stations
under PSTCL
and 1 substation under
PSPCL

2 Sub-stations
under PTCUL
and 1 substation under
UJVNL
1 Sub-station
under HPSEB
(Kunuhar)

(A) by March, 2014, time synchronization at Obra

(A) by January, 2014.
No major deficiency was observed.
As on 19.11.2013, Numerical relays and DR and EL
will be rectified by January, 2014.
(1) As on 4.12.2013 at HPGCL Sub-stations, Earth fault in
DC system at PTPS-1, 2 by March, 2015, Bus Bar
protection will be taken under R and U, DR and Event
Logger will be made available by March, 2015.
(2) As on 20.11.2013 at HVPNL sub-station, Bus Bar
protection will be rectified shortly.
(1) As on 22.11.2013 at RRVPNL Sub-stations, DR and
Event Logger at Jodhpur and Khetri by September, 2013
and December, 2013 and Ratangarh by October, 2014.
(2) As on 22.11.2013 at RRVUNL Sub-stations, Time
synchronization and DR and Event Logger at Suratgarh
and Kota will be replaced by March, 2015.
(1) As on 20.12.2013 at PSTCL Sub-stations, Bus Bar
protection and PlCC at Sarna, Ajitgarh, Govindgarh are
expected to be completed by September, 2013.
(2) As on 18.2.2013 at PSPCL S/Y, Bus Bar protection will
be rectified by January, 2014 and DR and Event Logger by
September, 2013, Time Synchronization and earth fault by
February, 2013 and Earth fault by March, 2013.
(1) Till 20.11.2013, earth fault at Kashipur sub-station and
Rishikesh sub-statioin have been rectified while for other
faults, work is under progress.
(b) UJVNL has not given any information regarding the
switchyard till 21.11.2013.
(1) As on 3.12.2013, time synchronization and LBB
protection works will be completed by March, 2014.
(2) Bus Bar protection at Kunihar will be covered under R
and U of 220 kV Kunihar sub-station.

3 Sub-stations
under J&K

As on 21.11.2013, information is awaited with respect

to Event Logger, LBB protection, PLCC and DG set
while rest of faults will be rectified by December, 2013.

4 Sub-stations
and 3
switchyard
under BBMB

(1) As on 16.11.2013, DR and Event Logger at Bhiwani,

Dehar, Samypur, Ch. Dadri (04 S/S) and Jamalpur,
Ganguwal (02 S/Y) have been rectified.
(2) Bus Bar protection at Charkhi Dadri will be available by
November, 2013.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 24 of 30

(3) PLCC at Jamalpur and Gangwal will be available by

September, 2013.
(4) LBB protection will be made functional at Charkhi Dadri
by November, 2013.

10 Switchyards
under NTPC

(5) Time Synchronization at Charkhi Dadri, Samypur (02

Sub-stations), Jamalpur and Ganguwal (02 S/Y) will be
commissioned by December, 2013.
(1) As on 31.11.2013, NTPC has rectified earth fault, time
synchronization, DR and EL, Bus Bar and LBB protection.

01 Switchyard
under SJVNL
(Jhakri)

(2) Replacement of static distance relays by numerical

relays will be completed by December, 2014.
(1) As on 6.12.2013, SJVNL has rectified time
synchronization, replacement of static relays with numerical
relays, DR and Event Logger.
(2) Earth fault in DC system will be rectified by 30.4.2013
during next annual maintenance.

3 Switchyard
under JPVL

As on 10.7.2013, all the equipments have been

rectified except time synchronization at Baspa-II HEP
which will be completed by December, 2013.

8 Switchyard
under NHPC

(1) As on 20.12.2013, most of the defaults have been

rectified.
(2) Replacement of static relays with numerical relays at
Dhauliganga and Tanakpur will be completed by March,
2014.
(3) Earth fault at Uri will be rectified by November, 2013,
(4) Time synchronization at Salal and Dhauliganga by
March, 2014 and May, 2013 respectively.

1 Switchyard
under THDC
(Tehri)
1 Switchyard
under NPCIL
(Narora)

21.

As on 19.11.2013, all equipments are functional at

Tehri.
As on 20.11.2013, rectifications have been completed
except DR and Event Logger at Narora which is
expected to be completed by October, 2013.

The Protection Audit was carried out by CPRI for 42 sub-stations. Out of these,

only Bina (PG) sub-station comes under Western Region and the recommendations
contained in respect of Bina sub-station in the Protection Audit have been complied with

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 25 of 30

by the petitioner. Constituent States and Utilities of Eastern Region and Northern
Region have submitted the time frame for implementation/ rectification of equipments in
their respective regions. Constituents of North-Eastern Region and Southern Region
have cited non-availability of funds as major constraints in implementation of
recommendations of Protection Audit report.

22.

Monitoring of status of action taken on implementation of recommendations of

Third Party Protection Audit is regularly being maintained by CEA. The information as
available on the website of CEA with respect to protection audit and also other aspects
of recommendation of Enquiry Committee, the status as on 19.9.2013 is as under:

"Third party protection audit in all the States of the country was completed by
April, 2013. Corrective action as per the observation of the audit has been
initiated and likely to be completed by September, 2013 where purchase is not
involved and by the end of the year 2014, where the procurement of equipment is
involved."

23.

However, it is noted from the detailed status submitted by RPCs through

affidavits/e-mails that minor defects were being attended to by some of the utilities and
work in some of the utilities is likely to be completed by 2015. Some of the utilities,
namely DVC, WBSETCL/WBPDCL, BSEB and JSEB have not given any time-frame for
completion of protection and control system.

24.

The Commission deems it appropriate to emphasize that implementation of

protection and control system is essential not only to protect the equipment/isolate the
faulty elements from the grid and avoid any major grid incident but also to facilitate
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 26 of 30

analysis of the problems/causes of trippings so that corrective action can be taken by all
concerned. It is not only essential to install the protection and control systems in all the
transmission elements and generating stations as per technical standards notified by
CEA, but also to keep them in healthy condition for safe and secure operation of the
grid. With the synchronous interconnection of NEW Grid and Southern Regional Grid,
provision for requisite protection and their healthiness assumes critical importance.

25.

Protection Audit in all the regions has been completed and RPCs are regularly

monitoring implementation of recommendations of Protection Audit. It is necessary that

the role of STU and SLDC in implementation of the recommendation of Protection Audit
for the removal of deficiencies need to be clearly brought out so that the
recommendations for rectification of deficiencies observed in the Protection Audit
carried out by POWERGRID can be implemented in a time bound manner. Section 34
of Electricity Act, 2003 provides for responsibility of transmission licensees to comply
with grid standards as under:
34. Grid Standards: Every transmission licensee shall comply with such technical
standards, of operation and maintenance of transmission lines, in accordance with the
Grid Standards, as may be specified by the Authority.

26.

The role of SLDCs has also been prescribed in Section 32 (e) of the Electricity

Act 2003 as under:

"32. Functions of SLDC:
..
(e) Be responsible for carrying out real time operation for grid control and dispatch of
electricity within the State through secure and economic operation of the State grid in
accordance with the Grid Standards and the State Grid Code."

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 27 of 30

27.

Since the protection system is a vital requirement for the safe and secure

operation of the grid, we have decided that in order to implement the recommendations
of the Protection Audit, a compliance mechanism with definite time line needs to be put
in place as under:
(a)

Each STU and CTU shall submit its action plan against each deficiency

within one month from issue of this order clearly stating the deficiencies which
can be corrected without any procurement (Category-A) and deficiencies
involving procurement of equipment (Category-B). However, action plan for
deficiencies dealt in Petition No. 146/MP/2013 shall be submitted therein;
(b)

The remaining deficiencies, if any, in Category-A shall be rectified by the

concerned STU and CTU within 2 months of issue of the order and compliance
report in this regard shall be submitted to respective RPC.
(c)

As protection is a matter of critical importance, a time period of one year,

as informed by various agencies in RPC for rectifying the deficiencies, which

involve procurement, cannot be allowed. All deficiencies of Category-B shall be
rectified within 6 months of issue of the order. In this regard, reasons of nonavailability of fund or delay in procurement process shall not be accepted. The
procurement and implementation is to be completed by each STU using their
own fund which can be reimbursed through a common request of funding
through PSDF forwarded through RPCs as per procedure recently approved by
Government of India.

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 28 of 30

(d)

Each SLDC shall be responsible to monitor the action taken by STU. If

any deficiency in the STU system in regard to the Category-A deficiencies is not
corrected after 3 months of issue of this order, the concerned SLDC may
approach the respective State Commission for appropriate action against
defaulting State entity in accordance with State Grid Code. The Office-in-Charge
of the concerned SLDC shall be responsible for monitoring and ensuring
compliance of the action plan and filing of the petition as directed herein.
(e)

RPCs at the end of each quarter shall prepare a report on the protection

deficiencies and their rectification which shall be sent to this Commission with a
copy to CTU not later than 45 days of expiry of the quarter. The report shall
inter-alia identify deviations from time lines as well as the State sub-stations
which have interface with ISTS system. CTU shall take necessary action and
issue a show cause notice for disconnection to sub-station of STU for not
complying with the Standards for Protection and Control as per Central Electricity
Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of Electric Plants and Electric
Lines) Regulations, 2010 and Central Electricity Authority (Grid Standards)
Regulations, 2010.

28.

Accordingly, we direct CTU, STUs and Generating Companies /Stations of all the

regions to ensure rectification of defects in the protection system as pointed out in the
protection audit within the time frame specified in paragraph 27 herein and submit the
latest status of corrective actions to Member Secretary of the respective Regional
Power Committee within one month of issue of this order. All RPCs are directed to to
Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

Page 29 of 30

furnish consolidated report with their observations/recommendations to the Commission

within 2 months of issue of this order. Thereafter, CTU and SLDCs shall submit
quarterly report to the respective RPC latest by 15th day of the first month of next
quarter and RPCs shall submit the report to the Commission latest by 15th day of the
second month of next quarter.

29.

We direct Member Secretaries, Regional Power Committees to continue

monitoring the protection related issues and bring to the notice of the Commission any
instance of non-compliance of the Regulation 1.5 of the Grid Code in respect of the
protection related issues considered in the instant petition.

30.

With this, Petition No. 220/MP/2012 stands disposed of.

Sd/(M Deena Dayalan)

Member

Order in Petition No. 220/MP/2012

sd/(V S Verma)
Member

Page 30 of 30