Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited gears up to meet Delhi’s Summer Power Demand
Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL), a leading power utility supplying electricity to a populace of 7 million in North Delhi, expects the Power Peak Load to touch 2351 MW this Summer and has made adequate power arrangements of up to 2500 MW (apart from contingency planning) through long-term, medium-term and short-term tie-up arrangements.
The peak load of the National Capital is projected to reach 8000 MW in late June or early July amid Delhi’s anticipation of scorching temperatures this year. As per the IMD forecast, most parts of Northeast India will witness above-normal maximum temperatures. Last year, during Summer the power demand peaked at 2,182 MW in Tata Power-DDL’s area of operation.
Tata Power-DDL is fully geared to provide an uninterrupted power supply. The company is using advanced techniques and avenues like ‘Bilateral Agreements’, ‘Reserve Shutdown’ & ‘Power Exchange’. In case of any unforeseeable contingency, the company will buy short-term power from the exchange. Adding to these efforts are the advanced load-forecasting statistical and modeling techniques which are helping the company forecast the power demand with greater accuracy.
The company’s Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at Rohini and Rani Bagh will also support in providing continuous and reliable power to key customers during any exigency in the Summer months. These battery energy storage systems get charged during off-peak hours discharge the power during peak conditions and enable electricity to be stored and then delivered within milliseconds to seconds, reducing the instability of the electric grid and enabling additional energy to be captured and delivered on-demand.
Tata Power-DDL extensively implements advanced technologies to ensure reliable power supply, like advanced statistical forecasting models, combined with state-of-the-art weather forecasting solutions, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
“At Tata Power-DDL, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide reliable power to our customers. As we approach the Summer season, we anticipate peak demand to reach approximately 2351 MW within our jurisdiction and we are well-prepared to meet this demand. Furthermore, we’ve invested in technological advancements and bolstered our network capacity to ensure seamless operations. Our proactive approach includes rigorous safety measures and maintenance initiatives across our distribution network. We’ve optimized load balancing at sub-stations, and deployed additional manpower, mobile transformers, and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) to swiftly address any emergencies said Mr. Ganesh Srinivasan, CEO, of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited.
The company has also undertaken the following additional measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its customers:
Network Strengthening Activities
- Commissioning of new and augmentation of existing distribution transformers to meet increasing load
- Preventive and condition-based maintenance of all critical electrical installations
Tripping Mitigation:
- Predictive maintenance of 11 kV Feeders & DTs through Thermo-scanning & Physical Audits
- Regular Tree Trimming & replacement of faulty units
- Infra-red & Ultrasound of all Grid Substation Equipment
- Preventive Maintenance of Grid Switchgear
- ·Vegetation Maintenance of sub-transmission Overhead Lines
Maintenance & Backup:
To meet with eventualities, mobile distribution transformers have been deployed for breakdown and are evenly stationed in the entire distribution network. Additional staff has been recruited at the call centers. Dedicated round-the-clock teams to attend breakdown and supply restoration for sub-transmission systems have also been created.