The
National Transmission and Distribution system today successfully averted major
cascade due to tripping at 11 main 500KV and 220 KV NTDC’s circuits/Grid
stations caused by unprecedented severe dense smog in the Punjab regions which
could have led to blackout in case of non-existence of system protections.
The
smog triggered tripping has also led to forced closure of all Chashma Nuclear
Power plants (C1, C2, C3, C4) where after necessary technical and
security protocol the restoration is in progress and it is expected to
get full capacity in approximately 72 hours.
These
circuits/grid Stations includes 500kv Multan - DG khan. khan, 500kV Guddo747 circuit
tripped along with Multan Bus Bar-1, 500kv Multan-Yousafwala circuit, 220KV
Mgarh ph1 _Bhwlpr cct 1 trip @0442hrs, 220kv Multan-Vehari circuits -I &
II, 220kv Vehari- Kassowal circuits -I & II, 220kv Kassowal- Yousa Fwala
circuits -I & II, 220kv Multan-M/ garh circuit -4, 220kv Multan-Kapco
circuit-4 500kv multan- , 220kv Vehari ,kasowal & chishtian Grids and
220kv Yousfwala- Okara circuit,
Under
the directions of Federal Government, the Power sector has also closed all
expensive furnace oil/ diesel run power plants of a cumulative capacity
of 4250MW . The furnace oil plants includes 950 MW Hubco, 1000 MW Muzafargarh,
400 MW Jamshoro and 700 MW KAPCO. The diesel/furnace oil fired
plants which are closed under the redirections are Nishat power, Nishar Chunian
Power, Liberty, Hubco Norwal, Atlas and Kel, of cumulative capacity around
1200MW.
Besides
the hydel generation average has also come down to 2700MW against its capacity
of 7000MW due to less releases of water from reservoirs on provinces demand.
The
SNGPL has also curtained 200 mmcfd gas supplies due to maintenance
between 3rd November to 7th November resulting
reduction of 500 MW in the system.
These
factors in combination are negatively affecting the demand and supply situation
in the country and the power distribution system needs load management for
certain period.
The
Power Division has directed the NPCC to chalk out a well managed
emergency load management plan for 72 hours till restoration of 1200 MW nuclear
power plants.
A
separate load management plan after the approximate 72 hours based on demand
supply situation is also being prepared by the NPCC. However since the demand
is declining with decrease in the temperature, therefore the situation is soon
expected to show improvement.
The
Distribution Companies are also 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 are further directed to
circulate the load management plan within their areas of operation for
consumers information.
The
unprecedented severe dense smog is posing serious challenge to the
national transmission system and the Power Division, NPCC, NTDC and DISCOs 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 weather
conditions . Patrolling of all high transmission lines has been increased by
NTDC.
The
Power Division has regretted the inconvenience likely to be caused due to
the above mentioned facts and the consumers are requested to kindly adopt
energy conservation during few days to minimize load on the system. The Power
Division is closely monitoring the situation and shall continue to pass on information
to the consumers.
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