ISLAMABAD: The National Transmission and Distribution (NTDC) system Friday successfully averted a major cascade due to tripping at 11 main 500kV and 220kV grid stations caused by unprecedented severe dense smog in parts of Punjab, which could have led to a major power breakdown in case of non-existence of system protections.
The smog-triggered tripping also led to forced closure of all Chashma nuclear power plants -C1, C2, C3, C4 – where after necessary technical and security protocol the restoration was in progress and it was expected to get full capacity in approximately 72 hours.
On the directives of the government, the power sector also closed all expensive furnace oil/diesel-run power plants of a cumulative capacity of 4,250MW.
Besides, the hydro generation average has also come down to 2,700MW against its capacity of 7,000MW due to less releases of water from reservoirs on provinces demand.
The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has also curtailed 200mmcfd gas supply on the pretext of maintenance, resulting in reduction of 500MW in the system.
The NTDC said these factors in combination were negatively affecting the demand and supply situation in the country and the power distribution system needed load management for a certain period.
The Power Division has directed the National Power Construction Corporation (NPCC) to chalk out a well managed emergency load management plan for 72 hours until restoration of 1,200MW nuclear power plants.
It was also reported that a separate load management plan after the approximate 72 hours based on demand and supply situation was also being prepared by the NPCC. However since the demand is declining with a decrease in temperatures, therefore, the situation was expected to show improvement soon.
The distribution companies have also been directed to ensure maximum relief to the consumers, besides keeping the drawl under the allocated quotas to ensure stability in the system. The distribution companies were further directed to circulate the load management plan within their areas of operation for consumers’ information.
Meanwhile, the unprecedented severe dense smog is posing a serious challenge to the national transmission system, NPCC, NTDC and DISCOs, which are closely monitoring the situation. Special teams and lines formations have been deputed by NTDC and DISCOs to meet any emergent situation due to the prevailing weather conditions. Patrolling of all high transmission lines has been increased by the NTDC.
The Power Division has regretted the inconvenience likely to be caused due to the above-mentioned facts and consumers were requested to adopt energy conservation methods during the next few days to minimise load on the system. According to a statement, the Power Division is closely monitoring the situation and shall continue to pass on information to consumers.
Published in Daily Times, November 4th 2017.
