Chennai, Oct 20 (IANS) Tamil Nadu’s power utility plans to collect wind and solar generation data every seven seconds to strengthen grid management, but renewable energy producers have sought a trial run before implementation, citing concerns over infrastructure readiness.
The proposed system will transmit generation data to the State Load Despatch Centre through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition technology. It is intended to help the utility respond faster to fluctuations in renewable energy output and manage electricity demand more effectively.
Wind power producers have been directed to complete connectivity works by April 30, 2027, ahead of the wind season beginning in May.
Solar generators have been asked to establish the required connections by December this year.
The requirement forms part of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Grid Code, 2026, which mandates renewable energy generators to maintain real-time connectivity with the load dispatch centre. Currently, generation data is collected through automated meter reading at intervals ranging from a fortnight to a month.
Officials expect the proposed monitoring system to improve renewable energy integration, support peak-hour planning and reduce dependence on expensive power purchases. However, generators have questioned whether existing infrastructure can support the transition within the stipulated deadlines.
At a recent meeting with authorities, industry representatives also raised objections to the utility proceeding without the trial run promised earlier this year. According to producers, the original proposal envisaged testing the system with around 1,000 wind energy generators before extending it across the sector.
The exercise was expected to identify technical difficulties, assess infrastructure requirements and establish the benefits of frequent data transmission.
Tamil Nadu has nearly 9,000 wind power installations with a combined capacity of approximately 12,000 MW, making the proposed transition a substantial undertaking. Generators maintain that findings from a pilot project would help resolve operational problems before wider implementation. They contend that the revised approach leaves uncertainty over how connectivity will be established and sustained.
The compliance framework announced in June provides for an initial exclusion of 10 per cent of generation from energy accounting and deviation settlement for producers missing the deadline. Continued non-compliance for 30 days would result in their entire generation being excluded from settlement. Further action could follow after 45 days. Officials have not explained why the proposed trial run is no longer being offered before implementation across the sector.
–IANS
aal/dpb
