With a view to achieve efficient, coordinated, smooth, economical and uniform planning of Communication System for Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) the Ministry of Power (“Ministry”) has formulated the Guidelines on Planning of Communication System for Inter-State Transmission System (“Guideline”).

Key Highlights-

Applicability-

1. The Guideline will come into force from the date of its issuance by the Ministry of Power.
2. The Guideline will be applicable for communication system for ISTS only.

Categorization of Communication Schemes / Packages- Communication Schemes / Packages under the policy are categorized as Category (A) and Category (B). The description of categories are provided below for ease of reference-

1. Category  (A): Communication system directly associated with new ISTS as well as incidental due to implementation of new ISTS elements (e.g. LILO of existing line on new/existing S/s where OPGW/terminal equipment are not available on the existing main line / substations etc.)

2. Category (B): Upgradation/modification of existing ISTS Communication system pertaining to following:

• Missing Links
• Redundancy/ System Strengthening
• Capacity upgradation (Terminal equipment)
• Completion of life of existing communication system elements
• Other standalone project e.g. Cyber Security, Unified Network Management System (UNMS)
• Adoption of New Communication Technologies

Procedure for approval of Communication Schemes/Packages

1. Category (A): As planning of ISTS Communication System is an integral part of planning of new Inter-State Transmission System, the requirement for communication system linked with new ISTS shall be included in new ISTS package and combined proposal shall be approved as per the directions contained in MoP office order dated 28.10.2021 regarding Re-constitution of the “National Committee on Transmission” (NCT).

Further, Communication requirements which are incidental due to implementation of new ISTS elements (e.g. LILO of existing line on new/existing S/s where OPGW/Terminal Equipment are not available on the existing main line/substations etc.) are also to be approved along with that of respective transmission system package.

2. Category (B):

Communication Schemes / Packages proposed by CTUIL for upgradation/modification of existing ISTS Communication System, standalone projects, adoption of new technologies shall be put up to RPC for their  views. RPC to provide their views on the Schemes/Packages proposed by CTUIL within 45 days of receipt of the proposal from CTUIL.

The Schemes/Packages along with the views of RPC shall be approved by NCT.

Note- Communication system must be planned in accordance with Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Communication System in Power System Operations) Regulations, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Communication System for inter-State transmission of electricity) Regulations, Manual of Communication System Planning in Power System Operation published by Central Electricity Authority and other relevant regulations / guidelines / orders / policies issued by Government of India for development of reliable communication system for the power system.

For further details, please refer to the attached document.

Source: Ministry of Power