The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) on January 22, 2024, notified electricity distribution network planning criteria.
The main objectives of Distribution Network Planning are to design and develop an efficient and economical distribution network to provide a safe, reliable and quality power supply to all consumers without any overloading or inefficient operation. Further, the following objectives of Distribution Planning are envisaged:
•Providing 24x7 reliable, quality & economical power to all consumers
•Making the power system more agile, resilient & smart with environmental sustainability.
•Optimum utilization of existing assets with minimum Technical & Commercial Losses.
•Minimum addition of new network elements to meet the performance standards set by the respective Regulatory Commissions.
•Phase the system expansion to match the growing power demands in the time horizon
The planning methodology includes the analysis of the existing system and planning of optimal & efficient future requirements of the Sub-transmission and Distribution system to meet the expected demand in the operational areas. The methodology would also include the requirement of an adequate communication system and IT infrastructure like SCADA, DMS, OMS, AMI, etc. for enhancing the reliability & quality of the power supply and better consumer satisfaction.
