Indian Power System Operations during NCOVID-19 Pandemic

The NCOVID-19 pandemic has been an unforeseen calamity which affected almost all the countries in the world. On March 11, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared NCOVID-19 as a pandemic. The Government of India (GOI) took several actions to control the spread of the pandemic in the country and issued several guidelines for public and organizations. The adversity caused by pandemic required continuity of electric supply to consumers. The latter was achieved through proper planning and execution. The Indian Power System Operator, POSOCO through its National and Regional Load Dispatch Centers (NLDC and RLDCs) assessed the situation early and took all planned efforts for the Indian power system operation which is essential for keeping 'lights ON' during these hours of crisis. Strategic team at the top management level and tactical teams at the individual control center level were formed to handle any unforeseen circumstances. This paper has discussed the various actions taken by POSOCO during NCOVID-19 scenario and impact of it on Indian power system. Impact of exceptional events as faced during pandemic period, like, Janata Curfew, Lights-Off event, Super Cyclonic Storms 'Amphan', 'Nisarga', and Solar eclipse is also discussed in the paper. The insights gained during these events may enhance the capability to envisage and handle such multiple high impact low probability events in the future. © 2021 IEEE.

Experience of indian electricity market operation and other events during COVID-19 pandemic

World over, COVID-19 pandemic has affected the behavior and livelihoods of the people. The impact is reflected in the power system operations and electricity markets. This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on different Indian electricity market segments. The utilities on both demand side and supply side responded to situation with depressed volumes and prices. The paper also describes the measures taken by the system operator to cope up with the situation. The paper traces the resilience exhibited by Indian power system stakeholders in handling exceptional events during lockdown such as cyclones, eclipse and lights switch-off event. The implementation of initiatives such as Real Time Market and expansion of Security Constrained Economic Despatch pilot in this challenging environment is discussed briefly. The paper concludes with possible course of action contemplated for the future of Indian electricity market post COVID-19. © 2020 IEEE