An approach to promote frequency regulation service in India

Abstract

Purpose

In India, the frequency regulation (FR) service has been provided by the generators, operating under free governor mode of operation (FGMO), with certain regulatory basis prescribed by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission in Indian Electricity Grid Code. Many short comings lie with the existing FR mechanism. This paper proposes a capacity linked mechanism to promote the FR service.

Design/methodology/approach

No compensation is being provided for the capacity reserved for the FR service, nor are the providers encouraged enough to render its full capacity under FGMO. Therefore, a novel remuneration mechanism, considering the capacity reserved for FR service, has been developed to eradicate these cons.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated on the Northern Regional Electricity Board data of India.

Practical implications

The implementation of the proposed mechanism can lead to boost up of participation in the FGMO, which helps to maintain the frequency within a narrow operating band.

Originality/value

Very few works have investigated the issues regarding the FR service provision in India. Indeed, no work has proposed any mechanism to enhance the effectiveness of the existing FR service provision.

Citation

Parida, S.K., Singh, S.N. and Srivastava, S.C. (2010), "An approach to promote frequency regulation service in India", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 6-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506221011033071