MPERC Draft Regulation Targets Improvement In Power Quality

Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) recently released the draft MPERC (Power Quality) Regulations, 2024. The regulation aims to regulate power quality in terms of voltage, frequency, and waveform of a power supply system. It envisages addressing power quality disturbances that can affect other consumers connected to the same supply network. The regulations emphasize the monitoring and maintenance of power quality parameters.

The MPERC regulations are applicable to consumers such as e-charging stations and commercial buildings, including healthcare facilities, hotels, airports, malls, and others. The draft regulations cover key parameters such as supply voltage variation, voltage unbalance, flickers, voltage sags/dips, swells, and harmonics, both on the supply side and at consumer installations. Provisions concerning compensation to constituents (designated consumers, DGRs, and Distribution Licensees) are based on compliance or non-compliance with these regulations, which will take effect one year from the notification date.

The scope of MPERC regulations specifies the key power quality parameters of electrical supply at the point of common coupling (PCC) or at the supply terminals of designated consumers and DGRs. The key parameters controlled by the Distribution Licensee include supply voltage variations, supply voltage flicker, supply voltage unbalance, supply voltage sags/dips and swells, and supply voltage harmonics.

These regulations aim to provide redressal for consumers facing disturbances that propagate upstream or downstream, potentially affecting other consumers connected to the same supply network. Each disturbance arises from different causes and can have varying effects on electrical systems and equipment.

This draft regulation places the onus on the Distribution Licensee to prepare an investment plan for the installation of power quality meters at strategic locations within their distribution network, in accordance with MPERC Guidelines for Capital Expenditure by Distribution Licensees in Madhya Pradesh, as amended.

Additionally, the Distribution Licensee is responsible for maintaining all power quality meters in good working condition at all times to ensure continuous and accurate power quality monitoring. The licensee must also verify the accuracy of power quality meters annually and submit a report to the Commission on an annual basis by June of the subsequent financial year.