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Is India's Power Grid ready for Diya Jalao?
While the total number of coronavirus cases crossed 3000 today with over 75 deaths, the Government does believe that the situation can be brought under control. The Prime Minister has appealed to Indians to light candles and diyas while switching off lights in their homes but even as the announcement was made on Friday morning, 36 hours later a controversy has broken. Certain states including Maharashtra have said that this is a dangerous move and that it can result in a fluctuation in load stability of the power grid in the wake of the sudden expected load reduction for 9 minutes at 9 PM. Uttar Pradesh has gone a step further and has planned load-shedding an hour earlier. The Centre, however, has assured that all arrangements are in place.
This decision made by the Prime Minister has sent the power utilities scrambling. The Union Power Ministry is putting in necessary checks to ensure the grid does not trip when the demand drops and later surges. Opposition leader Shashi Tharoor and Jairam Ramesh, a former junior power minister, had raised concerns about the stability of the grid when the nation turns off the lights. Uttar Pradesh anticipates a load reduction of 3000 watts during Diya Jalao and planned a staggered power cut from 8PM to ensure the sage operation of the grid. The Union Government has issued a new advisory- citizen are advised to only switch off lights at 9PM. Appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions can continue to run. Street lights are also said to remain open. Lights will not be switched off at hospitals and other essential services. Sources in the Power Ministry claim no feeder will be switched off and grid stability will be maintained. The stage is now set for the nationwide 9 minute Diya Jalao campaign. PM Modi while making this call had said it will unite the country in its fight against Covid-19.
Nitin Raut, the Power Minister of Maharashtra stated that he made these claims after consulting engineers and colleagues. India’s baseload is said to be 160 GW and approximate load in lockdown to be 135 GW. The grid frequency is said to be 48.5-51.5 Hertz. A letter from the Power Grid read “this may lead to sudden increase in system voltage at various stations and can lead to an outrage of grid element due to grid constrain.”
