What could be possible impact on power grids system with Modi’s 9-minute blackout call?
Chandigarh, April 4, 2020: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation has appealed to India’s 130 crore citizens to light a lamp, candle or shine a mobile flashlight to symbolically dispel the darkness spread by a coronavirus, for a 9-minute blackout at 9 pm on April 5 throughout the country.
But this has raised concerns to the power technocrats and put the power sector on alert mode to maintain grid stability, in the event of the failure of grid system as with the sudden drop in demand of power supply; there is a possibility of a breakdown of the grid system of the country.
An emergent meeting of All India Load Dispatch Centre has been called on Saturday on the issue, by FOLD – Forum of Load Despatchers, Delhi, through a video conferencing with regard to the preparedness of the LDCs, likely steps to be taken and other stakeholders during the event and open forum discussions.
According to power technocrat, the entire power sector is currently under stress. The demand has already fallen significantly due to the ongoing lockdown. it is a real possibility, if not managed properly and intelligently.
Earlier also, the country has witnessed blackout situation in 2012 and there was a problem in most of the parts of shutting down of Northern Grid. The sudden gap between the supply and demand can pose a big problem at production ends and it takes a lot of time to restore the supplies.
Another technocrat is of the view that there is a need for a plan in advance, as enough time is available to manage the grids, to meet any eventuality, due to 9-minute blackout call by PM.
Meanwhile, UP State Load Despatch Centre has flashed a Most Urgent letter to Directors – Operation, Technical and Distribution for taking various measures in order to operate Power Grid in a safe, secured and smooth manner.
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