By IANS,
New Delhi : Newly-appointed Power Minister M. Veerappa Moily Wednesday reassured the nation that a national transmission grid collapse of the kind seen earlier in the week would never recur in future.
“I want to reassure the entire nation that it (power grid collapse) will never be replayed again in the national scene,” said Moily addressing mediapersons here the day after the nation’s worst power blackout that affected almost half the country.
India has the largest power grid, or national transmission network, in the world and Moily said that Tuesday’s breakdown, affecting a consumer load of 55,000 megawatt power, was a matter of utmost concern.
Grid normalcy had now been restored and “the most important task is that this normalcy is hundred percent sustained and that it (grid collapse) will not repeat again”.
The new power minister clarified that states are the main stakeholders in the national power system and a major responsibility devolves on them to exercise restraint and show “grid discipline” by drawing only the power assigned to them.
“We don’t want a blame game. The way is to resolve problems and conflicts through mutual cordiality, collaboration, consultation and cooperation. Constant consultation is the only way out,” counselled Moily.
To this end, the minister has convened a meeting Aug 6 of the chief ministers of eight states and the union territories affected by this week’s blackout.
Some specific preventive measures like curbing overdrawal of power by states, levy of grid congestion charges and identifying fault lines on transmission routes were also being considered, said Moily.
The minister also underlined the vital need to have the latest systems and technology in place, and ensure total integrity in the professional management of the system.
“Reforms and constant change of system are essential to ensure that such breakdowns do not recur. Enough funds have been allocated in the 12th Plan for training of personnel for professional management of the system,” Moily said.
He also informed mediapersons that an expert committee had been constituted to examine all aspects of the blackout, and that he had had a “brainstorming session” with its members.