Powergrid not aware of its own powers -- CERC
SANTANU GHOSH

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NEW DELHI, JAN 17: In a fairly damning indictment of Powergrid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has said that Powergrid doesn't even appear to understand its own role and powers clearly. And that this, above all, jeopardised the safe operations and security of the electricity grid.

CERC's observations come as part of its order issued today, on the Northern Grid collapse of January 2. The order follows a public hearing called for by the CERC on January 15.

In its order, CERC says "it appears that there is insufficient understanding within Powergrid Corporation of India Limited which has been notified as the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) of its statutory role and functions".

The observations of CERC was in response to the observations made by Bhanu Bhushan, Director (O), Powergrid who had stated that CTU has no role in ensuring enforcement of directions issued by Regional Load Despatch Centre (RLDC) in integrated operation of regional grid -- the RLDC had given instructions to various power stations to cut production, but these were not complied with, and eventually led to the grid collapse.

The order has been submitted by CERC on Wednesday to the Power Ministry and all the other bodies involved in the issue.

CERC has also stated that negligence in maintenance by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited led to the failure of the line and the subsequent

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