Report of the CAC (Central Advisory Committee) Sub‐ Committee on Congestion in

Transmission
 As generation capacity is added, the transfer capacity of the T-line has emerged as a
constraint.
 As there is less generation, delicence is a correct strategy to increase the generation capacity.,
hence the transmission planners have to devise a strategy to cope up with these upgradations.
 The gestation period of coal, hydro and renewables give an indication about planning
congestion.
 Transmission capacity and transmission capability are not the same. Transmission capability
is like the weakest link of the chain; transmission capacity is about 20 to 30 percent of the
transmission capability (it is a hard accepted fact). Transmission capability is dependent on
number of factors such as system voltage, loading, physical properties, system reactive
capability and stability. Thus the sum of capability will be less than the capacity.
 The system should not be operated at highly cautious operation, or allowing the system to
carry power to its maximum capacity.
 POSOCO and POWERGRID have identified that increasing power capability is an ongoing
process.
 Phase shift transformers have shown to increase the transmission capability, hence should be
included immediately.
 Dynamic reactive power compensation devices must be increased, such as STATCOMS,
SVCs.
 Addition of T-line capacity & capability is an ongoing process.
 For an increase in 35 percent generation capacity, there was an increase of 3 % in the
transmission line sector.
 POSOCO & POWERGRID are not solely responsible for transmission constraints. Main
reason is the inadequacies of the State level transmission & sub-transmission system to absorb
power when provided by the national grid.
 Retrofitting of the existing system to increase their capacity, apart from setting of new T-
Lines.
 Use of probabilistic and other simulation model to calculate the uncertainty/risk because of
planned/forced outage.