The Central Government, in consultation with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), has released the Resource Adequacy Planning Framework guidelines for India. These guidelines, formulated under the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2022, aim to ensure the availability of sufficient electricity to support the country’s growth while minimizing costs. By establishing an institutional mechanism and promoting advance procurement of resources, the guidelines contribute to a reliable and cost-effective power supply.
Institutional Mechanism for Resource Adequacy Planning:
- National-Level to DISCOM Level: The guidelines establish an institutional mechanism that spans from the national level down to the distribution company (DISCOM) level. This mechanism ensures coordination and facilitates the advance procurement of resources to meet future demand requirements.
- Advance Procurement: The guidelines recommend that DISCOMs procure resources well in advance to meet long-term, medium-term, and short-term electricity demand. This includes new generation capacities, energy storage, and flexible resources. By planning ahead, DISCOMs can ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.
Enhanced Coordination through NLDC:
- Role of NLDC: The National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) plays a pivotal role in aggregating the individual plans of DISCOMs and conducting bids to procure any shortfall in capacity required for short-term Distribution Resource Adequacy Plans (ST-DRAP). This coordinated approach enhances resource availability and supports efficient power supply management.
- Reliable and Cost-Effective Power Supply: The Resource Adequacy Planning Framework guidelines are a significant step towards providing consumers with a reliable 24×7 power supply at optimized electricity tariffs. By aligning demand requirements with resource procurement, the guidelines contribute to cost-effectiveness in power supply.
Promoting Energy Security and Transition to Clean Energy:
- Energy Security: The robust resource adequacy framework outlined in the guidelines ensures the energy security of the nation. By accurately assessing and procuring the required capacity, India can meet its power demand reliably while minimizing costs.
- Clean and Sustainable Future: The Resource Adequacy Planning Framework guidelines align with India’s goals for a clean and sustainable future. By promoting the procurement of renewable energy resources and flexible energy solutions, the guidelines support the transition to a greener energy mix.
Planning Reserve Margin and State-Level Plans:
- Planning Reserve Margin: The CEA publishes the Long-term National Resource Adequacy Plan (LT-NRAP), which outlines the Planning Reserve Margin (PRM) required at the national level to meet demand reliably. This plan serves as a reference for DISCOMs to develop their Long-term Distribution Licensee Resource Adequacy Plan (LT-DRAP), ensuring alignment with national objectives.
- State-Level Plans: State Load Dispatch Centers (SLDCs) prepare Short-term Distribution Resource Adequacy Plans (ST-DRAP) based on the actual availability of generating stations within their respective states. These plans consider Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) imposed on obligated entities to promote the addition of renewable energy capacity.
