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Central Electricity Authority

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The central electricity authority (CEA), a statutory organization constituted under section 3(1) of electricity supply act, 1948 which has been superseded by section 70(1) of electricity act, 2003, plays an important role in formulating policies and programmes for power development in the country and in planning and coordinating various development activities in Power Sector.

The central electricity authority advises the central government on the matters relating to the national electricity policy, formulate short-term and perspective plans for development of the electricity system and coordinate the activities of the planning agencies for the optimal utilization of resources to sub serve the interests of the national economy and to provide reliable and affordable electricity for all consumers.

Under the electricity act, 2003, central electricity authority makes regulations/standards on matters such as construction of electrical plants, electric lines and connectivity to the grid, installation and operation of meters, concurrence of hydroelectric schemes safety and grid standards. It also specifies measures relating to safety with respect to electricity supply. This will inculcate higher efficiency in all fields of the power sector.

The central electricity authority is responsible for concurrence of hydro power development schemes of the central, state and private sectors taking into consideration the best ultimate development of the river or its tributaries for power generation, consistent with the requirement of drinking water, irrigation, navigation, flood control or for other public purposes. It also makes studies for the optimum location of dams and other river works keeping in view the norms regarding dam design and safety.

It promotes and assists in the timely completion of schemes and projects for improving and augmenting the electricity system by carrying out close monitoring of the construction of generation and transmission projects to ensure their timely completion by identifying bottlenecks and problem areas and initiation of remedial measures/actions.

It lays stress on improving the performance of existing power stations through better O and M practices, renovation and modernization and life extension programme. It is also charged with the responsibility of monitoring for their timely completion.

Collection and recording the data concerning the generation, transmission, trading, distribution and utilization of electricity and carries out studies relating to cost, efficiency, competitiveness and such like matters is an important function of central electricity authority. It makes public from time to time information secured under the electricity act, 2003 and provides for the publication of reports and investigations.

The central electricity authority advises central government, state government and regulatory commissions on the technical matters relating to generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. It also advises state governments, licensees or generating companies on such matters which shall enable them control them to operate and maintain the electricity system under their ownership or control in an improved manner and where necessary, in coordination with any other government, licensee or the generating company owning or having control of another electricity system.

The central electricity authority plays a lead role in promoting integrated operation of regional grid systems and the evolution of a national grid. The Eastern, North-Eastern and Western regions have been integrated and are operating in synchronous mode.

Easter region is connected with Northern as well as Southern region through HVDC back to back links. Similarly Western region is also connected with Northern and Southern region through the same arrangements. Central electricity authority facilitates exchange of power within the country from surplus to deficit region and with neighboring countries for mutual benefits.

It promotes research in matters affecting the generation, transmission, distribution and trading of electricity; carried out, or cause to be carried out, any investigation for the purposes of generating or transmitting or distributing electricity and promotes measures for advancing the skill of persons engaged in the electricity industry. It actively participates in power supply restoration process in case of happening of unfortunate destruction caused due to drought/cyclone/floods/tsunami, etc, in various parts of the country.

The central electricity authority makes significant contribution to a number of professional fora in India as well as abroad like conference international des grands research electriques (CIGRE), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Central Board of Irrigation and power (CBIandP), etc., The central electricity authority renders consultancy services in the planning and design of hydro, thermal and transmission projects.

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Tags: central electricity, dam design, electricity authority, electricity policy, electricity supply act, electricity system, national economy, power sector