MARCH 5: The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has issued comprehensive guidelines for the usage and sharing of fiber cores from Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and Underground Fiber Optic (UGFO) cables in power system applications. These guidelines have been developed with input from various stakeholders, including the Central Transmission Utility (CTU), State Transmission Utilities (STUs), Transmission Service Providers (TSPs), Grid Controller of India Ltd, and other relevant parties. The goal is to establish a clear, standardized framework for fiber allocation and sharing in power transmission networks while balancing commercial interests with the need for secure and reliable grid operations.
The guidelines emphasize several key aspects that will aid in optimizing fiber usage within the power sector. One of the main priorities is ensuring that grid communication needs are met by prioritizing the allocation of fiber for essential grid functions. This includes maintaining free spare fibers to accommodate future grid expansion and potential growth in communication requirements. The guidelines also establish a structured approach to sharing spare fiber capacity among various stakeholders, including the CTU, STUs, and TSPs, which will help mitigate conflicts and ensure equitable distribution of fiber resources.
A significant aspect of the guidelines is the provision for the commercial leasing of spare fibers. This allows fiber to be leased for non-grid applications but ensures that the commercial use does not compromise the grid’s future needs. Any leasing contracts will include a termination clause, allowing fiber cores to be reclaimed by the grid with a maximum 18-month notice period whenever required for grid applications. This flexibility ensures that future power system communication needs are not jeopardized.
Additionally, the guidelines emphasize the importance of due diligence and regulatory compliance, encouraging stakeholders to assess future grid communication requirements while adhering to the regulations set by the CEA, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERC). To ensure scalability for future needs, utilities are encouraged to plan and install OPGW with 48/96 fiber cores to support last-mile connectivity, future expansions, and Line-In-Line-Out (LILO) requirements.
The guidelines also include the maintenance of a comprehensive database to monitor the allocation and utilization of fiber cores, ensuring transparency and accountability. Moreover, they offer flexibility by allowing stakeholders to choose between using the IEEE C37.94 protocol over shared fibers or deploying separate optical fibers, ensuring adaptability in the implementation of differential protection schemes.
By optimizing fiber allocation and sharing, these guidelines will help create a more resilient, reliable, and future-ready power grid, promoting efficient resource management within the power sector. The full document is available on the CEA website for reference by all stakeholders.
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