CEA releases draft power demand forecasting guidelines

To improve infrastructure planning, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has produced draft rules for utilities to create uniform power demand predictions. According to CEA, the prediction should be created for the long-term and medium-term. The long-term prognosis should cover the next ten years at the very least, while the medium-term projection should cover more than one year and up to five years. The proposed standards state that predictions for power utilities must take into account at least three different scenarios, including optimistic, business as usual, and pessimistic. All parties involved in the planning and implementation of electrical energy-intensive projects, including industrial, agricultural, municipal corporations, drinking water departments, owners of captive power plants, and other agencies, should be consulted during the preparation of the forecast, it was recommended. The recommendations call for forecasts to be created at the discom/state level or higher, but if sufficient granular level data is available, forecasts at the zonal, circle, district, sub-station, and feeder/transformer levels should also be attempted. The regulator stated in its rules that these detailed estimates are anticipated to be more beneficial in the planning of power infrastructure. The power regulator is looking for public comments on the proposed rules by May 11. Also read: Govt issues guidelines for development of pumped storage projects Torrent Power emerges as lowest bidder for power supply contract