GUJARAT ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

(GERC)

Distribution Code

Notification: No. _________

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 86(c), (e) and (i) of the Electricity Act,
2003 (Act 36 of 2003) and under Section 42 (b) of the Gujarat Electricity Industry
(Reorganisation and Regulation) Act, 2003 (Gujarat Act 24 of 2003), and all powers
enabling it in that behalf, the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission hereby makes
this "GUJARAT ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CODE" herein after called
Distribution Code. This Distribution Code is applicable for the state of Gujarat only.
 DISTRIBUTION CODE

Distribution Code

GUJARAT ELECTRICITY
REGULATORY COMMISSION

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Table of Contents
1. SECTION-1 6

INTRODUCTION 6

1.1 OVERVIEW: 6

1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE DISTRIBUTION CODE: 6

1.3 IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION CODE: 7

1.4 LIMITATIONS OF THE DISTRIBUTION CODE: 8

1.5 CONFIDENTIALITY 8

1.6 PROCEDURES TO SETTLE DISPUTES: 8

1.7 DIRECTIVES 9

2. SECTION-2 10

DEFINITIONS 10

Interpretation 12

3. SECTION-3 14

MANAGEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION CODE 14

3.1 INTRODUCTION: 14

3.2 OBJECTIVE: 14

3.3 DISTRIBUTION CODE REVIEW PANEL: 14

3.4 FUNCTIONS OF THE REVIEW PANEL: 15

3.5 REVIEW AND REVISIONS: 16

4. SECTION-4 17

DISTRIBUTION PLANNING CODE 17

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4.1 INTRODUCTION 17

4.2 OBJECTIVES 17

4.3 LOAD DATA 18

4.4 FORECAST METHODOLOGY 19

4.5 TECHNICAL AND DESIGN CRITERIA: 20

4.6 ENERGY AUDIT 22

5. SECTION-5 23

CONNECTIVITY CONDITIONS 23

5.1 INTRODUCTION: 23

5.2 OBJECTIVES 23

5.3 OPERATIONAL LABELING 23

5.4 SYSTEM PERFORMANCE: 23

5.5 CONNECTION POINT/ INTERFACE POINT: 24

5.6 PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR CONNECTIONS TO THE SYSTEM: 25

5.7 ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF APPLICATION FOR CONNECTION: 25

5.8 CONNECTION AGREEMENTS: 25

6. SECTION-6 26

OPERATION CODE 26

6.1 INTRODUCTION: 26

6.2 DEMAND ESTIMATION: 26

6.3 OUTAGE PLANNING: 26

6.4 CONTINGENCY PLANNING: 27

6.5 DEMAND MANAGEMENT AND LOAD SHEDDING: 28

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6.6 INTERFACE WITH SMALL GENERATING UNITS INCLUDING CPPS 28

6.7 COMMUNICATION: 29

6.8 MONITORING AND CONTROL OF VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND POWER

FACTOR: 29

6.9 SAFETY CO-ORDINATION 29

6.10 MAINTENANCE AND TESTING 31

6.11 TOOLS AND SPARES 31

6.12 TRAINING 31

7. SECTION 7 32

METERING AND PROTECTION CODE 32

7.1 INTRODUCTION: 32

7.2 OPERATIONAL METERING: 32

7.3 TARIFF AND COMMERCIAL METERING: 32

7.4 MEASUREMENT OF ENERGY IMPORT/ EXPORT: 33

7.5 PROTECTION SYSTEM: 34

7.6 FIRE PROTECTION: 35

8. SECTION-8 36

CROSS BOUNDARY SAFETY CODE 36

8.1 INTRODUCTION: 36

8.2 OBJECTIVE: 36

8.3 CONTROL PERSONS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY: 36

8.4 PROCEDURE: 36

8.5 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: 37

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9. SECTION- 9 38

INCIDENT/ACCIDENT REPORTING 38

9.1 INTRODUCTION 38

9.2 MAJOR INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT REPORTING: 38

9.3 REPORTING PROCEDURE 38

10. ATTACHMENT - 1 40

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING AND SECURITY STANDARD 40

1.0 INTRODUCTION 40

2.0 QUALITY OF POWER SUPPLY 40

3.0 LOAD FORECAST: 40

4.0 PLANNING PROCEDURE 42

5.0 SERVICE AREA OF A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK 42

6.0 PLANNING STANDARDS 43

7.0 RELIABILITY ANALYSIS 44

8.0 STANDARDISATION OF DESIGN AND RATING OF DISTRIBUTION

TRANSFORMERS 44

9.0 STANDARDISATION OF SUB-STATION LAYOUTS 45

10.0 REACTIVE COMPENSATION 45

11.0 SERVICE MAINS 45

12.0 METERING CUBICLES 45

13.0 SECURITY STANDARDS 46

ANNEXURE 1 48

LOAD DATA FOR DEMANDS FOR OF 5 MW AND ABOVE (CLAUSE 4.3.3) 48

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ANNEXURE 2 49

SYSTEM DATA (CLAUSE 4.3.3) 49

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1. SECTION-1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW:

1 In order to perform the task and the requirements as stipulated in Section 42 (b) of
Gujarat Act No. 24 of 2003 viz. Gujarat Electricity Industry (Reorganisation
and Regulation) Act 2003, and section 86(c), (e) and (i) of the Electricity Act,
2003 (Central Act 36 of 2003), the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission has
formulated this "GUJARAT ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CODE" herein
after called Distribution Code. This Distribution Code is applicable for the state of
Gujarat only.
2 Scope of Distribution Code:
(a) The Distribution Code deals with technical aspects of the supply of electricity,
which have impact on the quality, continuity and reliability of service by
licensees and the use of the Licensees Distribution System for the distribution
of electricity. It specifies the rights and obligations of the Distribution Licensee
and the Users in system planning and operation.
(b) The Distribution Code is not exhaustive as to the requirements to be complied
with by the Distribution Licensee and the Users connected or seeking
connection to the Licensees Distribution System. The Distribution Licensee
and all Users/Consumers must also comply with the requirement as laid down
in various codes, standard and regulations under relevant laws in force.

1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE DISTRIBUTION CODE:

This Distribution Code consists of the following 9 Sections:

1 Section-1: Introduction This section outlines the broad features of the

Distribution Code.
2 Section-2: Definitions - The various terms used in the Distribution Code are
defined in this section.
3 Section-3: Management of Distribution Code - The Distribution Code is a live
document and has to be periodically reviewed by a competent panel as and when
required in the light of experience gained. This section formulates the procedures
for such review.
4 Section-4: Distribution Planning Code This section specifies the technical and
design criteria as well as the procedures to be followed by the Distribution
Licensee for planning and development of the Distribution System.
5 Section-5: Connectivity Conditions This section specifies minimum technical
criteria and standards to be complied with by any User connected or seeking
connection with a Licensees Distribution System. This section also specifies the
minimum technical, design and operational criteria with which the Licensee
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concerned shall comply in relation to the part of the Distribution System at the
connection site with Users.
6 Section-6: Operation Code This section specifies the procedures and practices
to be followed for a safe and efficient operation of the Distribution System by the
Distribution Licensee of the Distribution System and by the Users of their electrical
plant and lines which are connected to the Licensees Distribution System. This
shall also apply to any electrical interface between two Distribution Licensees for a
safe and efficient operation of the interface.
7 Section-7: Metering and Protection Code This section specifies the minimum
requirements of metering for measurement of electrical energy (and related
parameters) flowing in Distribution System and Users system especially across the
boundary between the Distribution System and Users System. The section also
specifies the minimum requirement of protection levels.
8 Section-8: Cross Boundary Safety Code This section specifies safety
procedures and precautions for ensuring that work in a Distribution Licensees
system or in a Users system is carried out safely in situations where it is possible
to achieve safety only by operations (isolation and earthing) in others system
across the Connection Point/ Interface Point.
9 Section-9: Incident Reporting Code This section specifies guidelines for
incident reporting.

3 IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION CODE:

1 The Distribution Code is applicable to all the Licensees in the state of Gujarat. The
Licensees shall be responsible for its implementation within their respective Area
of Supply. Users shall comply the provision of this code.
2 If any User has any difficulty in complying with any of the provisions of the
Distribution Code, he shall immediately, without delay, inform to the Distribution
Licensee and/ or GERC, as the case may be.
3 Any continued non compliance, without reasonable grounds shall constitute a
deviation under the Act, and may lead to disconnection of the Users plant or
Apparatus in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 from the
Licensees Distribution System. The responsibility for the consequences of
disconnection including payment of damages and others rests with the User who
consistently violates the Distribution Code.
4 Non compliance with any provision of the Distribution Code by the Distribution
Licensee shall attract the consequences as provided in the Acts or in the License.
However, in the event of non-compliance with the Distribution Code, the
Distribution Licensee shall prepare and submit to GERC a plan of action for
compliance with the Distribution Code. GERC may exempt the Licensee from
compliance of any provisions for a particular period, if it is found that the
compliance is not feasible for such period, considering the resources available and
the circumstances prevailing.

1.4 LIMITATIONS OF THE DISTRIBUTION CODE:

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1 Nothing contained in this Code should be interpreted as imposing obligations /
duties on Consumers / Distribution Licensees greater or more onerous than those
mentioned in the Electricity Act, 2003 under relevant clauses.
The Distribution Code contains procedures for the management of day to day
technical situations in the Distribution System, taking into account a wide range of
operational conditions likely to be encountered under both normal and abnormal
conditions. The Distribution Code cannot foresee all the possible operating
conditions. Users must therefore understand and accept that the Distribution
Licensee, in such unforeseen circumstances, may be required to act decisively and
with due expedition to discharge his obligations under the Licensee. Users shall
provide such reasonable co-operation and assistance as the Distribution Licensee
may require in such circumstances. The concerned Distribution Licensee shall
however refer all such cases for ratification in the next meeting of the Panel.

1.5 CONFIDENTIALITY
1 Under the terms of Distribution Code, the Distribution Licensee will receive
information from Users relating to their business. The Distribution Licensee shall
not, other than as required by Distribution Code, disclose such information to any
other person without the prior written consent of such informant, unless required
by Central/State government departments or any authority.

1.6 PROCEDURES TO SETTLE DISPUTES:

1 In the event of any dispute regarding interpretation of any regulations provided in
the Distribution Code between any User and the Distribution Licensee, the matter
shall be referred to Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission. GERCs decision
shall be final and binding on both the parties.

1.7 DIRECTIVES
1 Under the provisions of the Acts, the State Government may issue policy directives
in certain matters. The Distribution Licensee shall promptly inform GERC and all
Users of the requirement of such directives. The Users, subject to the relevant
section of the Acts, shall comply with such directive.

***
2.

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SECTION-2

DEFINITIONS

1 In the Distribution Code the following words and expressions shall, unless the
subject matter or context otherwise requires or is inconsistent therewith, bear the
following meanings:

Acts The Electricity Act, 2003 and Gujarat Electricity Industry

(Reorganisation and Regulation) Act, 2003, read together.
Agreement An agreement entered into by the Distribution Licensee and
the User
Apparatus All the electrical apparatus like machines, fittings,
accessories and appliances in which electrical conductors
are used.
Area of supply Area within which a Distribution Licensee is authorised by
his License to supply Electricity
Bare Conductor Conductor not covered with insulation.
Captive Power A Power Plant set up by any person to generate electricity
Plant for his use and includes a power plant set up by any
co-operative society or association of persons for generating
electricity primarily for use of members of such
co-operative society or association.
CBIP Central Board of Irrigation and Power
Circuit Arrangement of conductor(s) for the purpose of carrying
electrical energy and forming a system or branched system.
Conductor Any wire, cable, bar, tube, rail or plate used for conducting
energy and electrically connected to the system.
Connected Load Aggregate of manufacturers rating of all the connected
Apparatus, including portable Apparatus, in the Consumers
Premises. It includes all Apparatus for which the Consumer
has made declaration, for taking supply. This shall be
expressed in KW or KVA. If rating are in KVA, the same
may be converted to KW by multiplying the KVA with a
Power Factor of 0.9. If the same or any other Apparatus is
rated by the manufacturer in HP, the HP rating shall be
converted in KW by multiplying it by 0.746.
Connection Point A point at which a Users electrical system is connected to
/ Interface Point the Licensees Distribution System.
Consumer Any person who is supplied with electricity for his own use
by a Licensee or the Government or by any other person
engaged in the business of supplying electricity to public
under the Electricity Act 2003 or any other law for the time
being in force and includes any person whose premises are

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for the time being connected for the purpose of receiving
electricity with the works of a Licensee, the Government or
such other person, as case may be.
Contract Demand Maximum KW or KVA agreed to be supplied by the
Licensee and indicated in the agreement executed between
the parties. Wherever the agreement stipulates supply in
KVA, the quantum in terms of KW may be obtained by
multiplying by the Power Factor of 0.9.
Control Person A person identified as having technical capability and
responsibility for cross boundary safety
Distribution A Licensee authorised to operate and maintain a
Licensee Distribution System for supplying electricity to the
Consumers in his Area of Supply.
Distribution The system of wires and associated facilities between the
System delivery points on the transmission lines or the generating
station connection and the point of connection to the
installation of the Consumers.
Generating Any company or body corporate or association or body of
Company individual, whether incorporated or not, or artificial juridical
person, which owns or operates or maintains a generating
station.
Grid Code Gujarat Electricity Grid Code.
GERC Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission
High Tension or Voltage greater than 440 V and lesser than 66 kV.
HT
Indian Standards Those Standards and specifications approved by the Bureau
("IS") of Indian Standards.
Licence Any license granted by GERC under provisions of the
relevant laws in force.
Low Tension or Voltage not exceeding 440 volts.
LT
O p e r a t i o n a l Operational metering indicates monitoring of energy and
Metering power supplied to Distribution Licensee from a
Transmission substation.
Power Factor The ratio of Active Power (kW) to Apparent Power (KVA).
SLDC State Load Despatch Centre.
STU State Transmission Utility
T r a n s m i s s i o n A Licensee authorised to establish and operate transmission
Licensee lines.
T r a n s m i s s i o n The system consisting of high pressure cables and overhead
System lines of Transmission Licensee for transmission of electrical
power from the generating station upto connection point
with the Distribution System. This shall not include any part
of the Distribution System. The system consisting of high
pressure cables and overhead lines of Transmission
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Licensee for transmission of electrical power from the
generating station upto connection point with the
Distribution System. This shall not include any part of the
Distribution System.
User Any person having electrical interface with, or using the
Distribution System of the Distribution Licensee to whom
this Code is applicable. Any other Distribution Licensee,
Transmission Licensee and generating units connected to
the Distribution system are also included in this term.

Words and expressions used and not defined in this Code but defined in the Acts shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the said Acts. Expressions used herein but not
specifically defined in this Code or in the said Acts but defined under any law passed by a
competent legislature and applicable to the electricity industry in the state shall have the
meaning assigned to them in such law. Subject to the above, expressions used herein but
not specifically defined in this Code or in the Acts or any law passed by a competent
legislature shall have the meaning as is generally assigned in the electricity industry.
Interpretation
In the interpretation of this Code, unless the context otherwise requires:
words in the singular or plural term, as the case may be, shall also be deemed to
include the plural or the singular term, respectively;
the terms "include" or "including" shall be deemed to be followed by "without
limitation" or "but not limited to" regardless of whether such terms are followed by
such phrases or words of like import;
references herein to the code" shall be construed as a reference to this code as
amended or modified by the GERC from time to time in accordance with the
applicable laws in force.
the headings are inserted for convenience and may not be taken into account for the
purpose of interpretation of this Code.
references to any statutes, regulations or guidelines shall be construed as including
all statutory provisions consolidating, amending or replacing such statutes,
regulations or guidelines, as the case may be, referred to.

***
3.

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SECTION-3

MANAGEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION CODE

3.1 INTRODUCTION:
1 A standing body (Distribution Code Review Panel) shall be constituted by GERC
comprising of the representatives of Distribution Licensee as well as the Users of
the Distribution System in line with the provisions of this Code.
2 No change in this Distribution Code, however small or big, shall be made without
being deliberated upon and agreed to by the Distribution Code Review Panel and
thereafter approved by GERC. However, in an unusual situation where normal day
to day operation is not possible without revision of some clauses of Distribution
Code, a provisional revision may be implemented before approval of GERC is
received, but only after discussion at a special Review Panel Meeting convened on
emergency basis. GERC should promptly be intimated about the provisional
revision. GERC may issue directions required to revise the Distribution Code
accordingly as may be specified in those directions and the Distribution Licensee
shall promptly comply with any such directions.

3.2 OBJECTIVE:
1 The section defines the method of managing Distribution Code, pursuing of any
changes/ modifications required and the responsibilities of the Distribution
Licensees and the Users/ Consumers in this regard. This section facilitates
revisions taking into account the views of all parties in an equitable manner.

3.3 DISTRIBUTION CODE REVIEW PANEL:

1 The chairperson and members except the member secretary shall be part time
members of the panel. The review panel shall generally consist of the following
members and having knowledge and practical experience of technical matters
related to electricity supply by utilities. GERC shall nominate the chairperson and
secretary of the Distribution Code Review Panel on rotation basis from among the
members of the Distribution Licensees, but at no point of time the chairperson and
secretary shall belong to the same Distribution Licensee. The secretary shall be a
full time member of the review Panel. The members of the review panel shall be as
follows:
(a) One senior technical officer from each Distribution Licensee.
(b) One Member from State Transmission Utility (STU) or SLDC.
(c) One Member from a Transmission Licensee to represent all Transmission
Licensees. After the tenure over, such Member, the representative of a different
Transmission Licensee will be a member of review panel.One Member from
among Captive Power Plants, co-generation units, conventional and
non-conventional generating units, to represent all such Users in Gujarat State.
On completion of tenure, the Member shall be replaced by another person
belonging to a different Distribution Licensees territory.

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(d) GERC shall develop a list of potential candidates to serve on the Distribution
Code Review Panel, which reflects a balance of the various interest groups in
consultation with the Distribution Licensee.
2 The members of the Review Panel shall normally have a tenure of two years unless
he ceases for any reason to be member of the Review Panel. Chairperson of the
Review Panel and GERC may jointly consider the replacement of such members.
3 The functioning of the panel shall be co-ordinated by the secretary of the Review
Panel.
4 GERC shall publish the names of the members of Review Panel and also inform to
each Distribution Licensee.
5 The model code of functioning of Review Panel shall be finalised at first meeting
of Review Panel in consultation with GERC.

3.4 FUNCTIONS OF THE REVIEW PANEL:

The functions of the Review Panel shall be:
(a) Maintenance of the Distribution Code and its working under continuous
scrutiny and review.
(b) Consideration of all requests for review made by any User and publication of
their recommendations for changes in the Distribution Code together with
reasons for such changes.
(c) Provide guidance on interpretation and implementation of the Distribution
Code.
(d) Examination of the problems raised by any User as well as resolution of the
problems.
(e) Ensuring that the changes/modifications proposed in the Distribution Code are
consistent and compatible with standard technical manual or guidelines, codes,
laws, acts, rules and regulations in force at that point of time.
(f) Constitution of a sub-committee for detailed study of various matters pertaining
to the Distribution Code and circulation of the findings and recommendations
to Review Panel Members and the entities concerned.
(g) Making arrangements for deliberation of the issues (regarding sub committee
findings and recommendations) in the Review Panel meetings the time frame,
as provided by these sub-committees.
(h) Holding of meetings as required but at least one meeting shall be held in every
three months.
(i) Holding of meetings by sub-committees including with any User or with
groups of Users to prepare proposals for review panel consideration.

3.5 REVIEW AND REVISIONS:

1 The Users seeking any amendment to the Distribution Code shall send written
requests to the secretary of the Review Panel with a copy to GERC. If the request is
sent to GERC directly, the same shall be forwarded to the secretary of Review
Panel who shall, in consultation with the concerned entities and such other persons
as the GERC may direct, review the Distribution Code provisions. The secretary
will circulate the proposed changes/modifications to all the panel members for their
written comments within a reasonable time frame or the secretary may call for the

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Review Panel meeting in consultation with the chairperson. Based on this
interaction/ discussion, the necessary amendments/ revisions may be incorporated
in Distribution Code after the approval of GERC in accordance with Clause 3.5.2
and 3.5.3.
2 The secretary shall send the following reports to the GERC at the conclusion of
each review meeting of the panel:
(a) Reports on the outcome of such review.
(b) Any proposed revision to the Distribution Code and its rationale.
(c) All written representations and objections submitted by the Users at the time of
review.
3 All revisions to the Distribution Code require the approval of GERC. The secretary
shall publish revisions to the Distribution Code, after the approval of GERC. The
Review Panel may also submit proposals for relaxation in such cases where Users /
Distribution Licensees have difficulties in meeting the requirements of the
Distribution Code.
4 Any change from the previous version shall be clearly marked in the margin. In
addition, a revision sheet shall be placed at the front of the revised version, noting
the number of every changed Sub-section, together with reasons for such change.
5 The secretary shall maintain copies of the Distribution Code incorporating the
latest amendments and shall make it available at a reasonable cost to any person
requiring it.
6 The Commission, may, on the application of the licensee or otherwise, call the
emergency meeting of the review panel as and when the situation so dictates and
make such alterations and amendments in the Distribution Code as it thinks fit.
***
4.

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SECTION-4

DISTRIBUTION PLANNING CODE

4.1 INTRODUCTION
1 The Distribution Planning Code specifies the technical & design criteria and
procedures to be followed by the Distribution Licensee for a proper planning and
development of the Distribution System. This Code is also applicable to the Users
of the Distribution System for their planning and development in so far as they
affect the Distribution System.
2 The requirement of the Users may necessitate extension or reinforcement of the
Distribution System. In some cases the same may even require the Distribution
Licensee to seek the extension or reinforcement to the capacity of the Transmission
System at the Connection Point/ Interface Point. This may arise for a number of
reasons mentioned below, but not limited to the same:
(a) A development by any User in his system already connected to the Distribution
System;
(b) Introduction of a new Connection Point/ Interface Point between the User's
System and the Licensee's System;
(c) To increase the capacity of the Distribution System for meeting the security
standards, removal of constraints in operation etc., and accommodate a general
increase in Demand.
3 The development of the Distribution System must be planned sufficiently in
advance allowing adequate time to obtain the required statutory clearances,
consents or way leaves, the detailed engineering, design and construction work to
be carried out and completed. The suitable management techniques shall be
implemented allowing for sufficient time for critical activities and to co-ordinate
all the activities in an efficient manner. These shall be taken care of at the time of
planning itself.

4.2 OBJECTIVES
1 The following are the objectives of the Distribution Planning Code:
(a) To enable the planning, design and construction of the Distribution System for
a safe and economical operation with the specified degree of reliability
conforming to the following standards:
(i) Distribution System Planning and Security Standard as mentioned
under Attachment 1 of this code
(ii) Provisions applicable to Distribution System under Power System
Management and Operating Standard and Power System Safety
Standard.
(iii) Statutory Acts and Rules, which are in force,
(iv) Relevant Indian Standard Specifications, if applicable. The deviations
may be permitted as per specified limit, however, in any case the
security and safety shall not be hampered.
(v) REC (Rural Electrification Corporation) Construction Standards and
manuals.

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(b) To facilitate the use of the Distribution System by any User connected to or
seeking connection with it,
(c) To prescribe the technical conditions to be followed by the respective
Distribution Licensees and Users in meeting the standards for an efficient
operation of the common electrical interface,
(d) To prescribe the procedure for the exchange of the system planning data
between the Distribution Licensee and the Users,
(e) To provide the required information to the Users for connection, planning and
development of their own systems and make them compatible with the
Distribution System,
(f) To enable the Distribution Licensee to co-operate with the Transmission
Licensee in furnishing the required data as detailed in the Grid Code.

4.3 LOAD DATA

1 The Distribution Licensee shall develop load curves for the area fed by the
concerned substation of the Transmission Licensee from the metering data
available at the Connection Point/ Interface Point. Such data shall be compiled for
the entire Area of Supply combining the load curves of each substation feeding its
Distribution System. The Distribution Licensees shall collect data and map the
power factor of network (feeder wise as well as consumer category wise by
installing meters on typical distribution transformers.)
2 The actual energy drawn by the Distribution System as recorded in the energy
meters installed at Connection Points / Interface Points shall be reconciled with the
actual energy sales in overall Area of Supply. The aggregate distribution losses
computed from these data shall be furnished to GERC every quarter.
3 All the Users with Demands of 5 MW and above seeking connection shall furnish
their load data/characteristic of the load and other relevant details to the
Distribution Licensee as detailed in Annexure 1. The Distribution Licensee shall
exercise special care to monitor the actual development of loads in respect of
Consumers desiring to avail loads of 5 MW and above at a single point. The
Distribution Licensee on his part shall furnish relevant data for designing and
selecting the electrical equipment, details of metering and relay for purpose of
protection and System data as detailed in Annexure 2, if required by the User
seeking connection to his Distribution System. The Distribution Licensee shall
update the system data regularly and at least once a year.

4.4 FORECAST METHODOLOGY

1 The Distribution Licensee shall formulate a short-term demand forecast (to enable
the STU in drawing down the annual planning process corresponding to a 5 years
forward annual plan for intra state transmission system). This shall be formulated
after considering the previous financial year as base and projecting the demand for
the succeeding 5 years, considering the overall development of various sectors in
his Area of Supply in succeeding five years. He should follow prudent practices to
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arrive at load forecast for succeeding five years after considering all the aspects viz.
government policy/ economic development etc. During this process he shall also
review the status of loads materialising as per the previous load forecast. Further
these forecast shall be in line with the plan to be developed at national level by
CEA. The variation to the forecast shall be incorporated by the Distribution
Licensee, as and when it is known to Distribution Licensee and revise the forecast
annually.
2 Energy sales in each tariff class shall be projected in the forecast period over the
corresponding figures relating to the base year by adopting an appropriate
statistical method.
3 The projections shall take into account the assumed normal growth for non-specific
loads, specific and identified loads of 1 MW and above, and the effects of demand
side management, if any, and energy conservation.
4 The peak load requirements at each Connection Point/ Interface Point shall be
estimated. The peak load requirement at each Connection Point / Interface Point
will essentially ensure that the STU may determine the corrective measures to be
taken to maintain the capacity adequacy in the Transmission System upto the
Connection Point /Interface Point. This will facilitate the Transmission Licensee to
develop the compatible Transmission System. However, if the Distribution
Licensee receive power at a number of Connection Points / Interface Points in a
compact area, which are interconnected in a ring, then such Distribution Licensee
shall forward the overall short term Demand forecast at each Connection Point /
Interface Point with the variation or tolerance as mutually discussed and agreed
upon with the STU.
5 The aggregate energy and peak load requirements for the Area of Supply shall be
estimated. The Distribution Licensee shall forward the short term demand forecast
for each Connection Point/ Interface Point for peak load requirement as well as
aggregate energy and peak load demand for Area of Supply on annual basis to the
STU, Transmission Licensee and GERC along with the following details on the
basis of which the forecast is made:
(a) Data,
(b) Methodology,
(c) Assumptions.
6 It shall be the responsibility of all the Distribution Licensees to fully co-operate
with the STU in preparation of demand forecasts for the entire Gujarat State. The
Distribution Licensee shall furnish the necessary peak load and energy forecasts to
STU/ Transmission Licensee for a period of 10 years in order to enable STU in
formulating the perspective plan, as detailed out in Grid Code.

4.5 TECHNICAL AND DESIGN CRITERIA:

The Distribution Licensee shall plan and develop his Distribution System on the
basis of the following technical and design criteria:
1 The load demand of all the existing Users connected to the Distribution
Licensees system and all Users seeking connection with the Distribution
Licensees system shall be taken into consideration. All the Apparatus and

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Circuits shall have adequate capacity to cater to their needs of electricity in a safe,
economical and reliable manner.
2 The Distribution Licensee shall assess and forecast the load demand of each
category of Consumers in his Area of Supply on annual basis or more frequently
as required by the GERC.
3 The Distribution Licensee shall have a thorough knowledge of the nature of
electricity usage by the Consumers and the way they use electrical energy and
other alternative sources of energy in his area. The load forecasting shall take into
account all these along with other conservation programs and the demand side
management or off-peak usage programs which the Licensee may sponsor,
resulting in reduction of energy used and peak demand of the Consumers over the
years.
4 The Distribution Licensee shall implement an appropriate load research program
for the systematic collection of data describing Consumers' energy usage patterns
and analysis of these data for energy and demand forecast. For this purpose, the
Consumers shall be divided into all the tariff classes and may be broadly in the
following classes:
(a)Domestic sector,
(b) Commercial sector,
(c) Agricultural sector,
(d) Industrial sector
The pattern of energy consumed by each sector and the load demand, the period of peak
demand etc., shall be determined on the basis of sample surveys taking
representative samples from each sector for its different seasonal requirements. A
suitable questionnaire shall be prepared for these sample surveys and the data
obtained shall be analysed using suitable statistical models. Based on this, load
profiles shall be drawn implementing demand side management techniques to
match the availability from time to time.
5 The load research program shall assess the following:
(a) Demand at the time of system peak, daily, monthly, seasonal or annual,
(b) Hourly demand for the day of the system peak, monthly, seasonal or annual,
(c) Total energy consumption for each category by month, season or year.
6 Based on the results of the above analysis the load forecast shall be made using
the appropriate modern forecasting tools wherever applicable.
7 The optimum Circuit loading and the maximum number of Circuits at any
electrical interface between the Distribution and Transmission Systems shall
conform to the Distribution System Planning and Security Standard as mentioned
under Attachment 1 of this code, Distribution System under Power System
Management and Operating Standard and Distribution System under Power
System Safety Standard.
8 As far as practicable, separate Circuits shall be provided for the following:
(a) Urban non-industrial power supply,
(b) Urban industrial power supply,
(c) Rural supply (as far as possible further segregation between rural agricultural and
rural non agricultural supply)

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9 The loads shall be arranged as far as possible in discrete load blocks to facilitate
load management during emergency operations.
10 Load flow and other system studies shall be conducted to locate the position of
outlets from substations, capacitor installations, distribution transformers, and to
contain voltage variation and energy losses within reasonable limits.
11 The following parameters of equipments and system designs shall be standardised
to facilitate easy replacement and reduction of inventories of spares in stores:
(a) Capacities of power transformers,
(b) Capacities and designs of distribution transformers,
(c) 22 kV/11kV substation layouts,
(d) Pole mounted substations,
(e) Sizes of bus bars,
(f) Capacities and ratings of circuit breakers and instrument transformers,
(g) Earthing,
(h) Lightning arresters,
(i) Control panels,
(j) Station batteries,
(k) Fire extinguishers.
(l) Maintenance tools
(m) Safety equipments
(n) Energy meters
(o) Wires and cables
(p) Clamps and connectors
12 The planning of the Distribution System shall always keep in view the cost
effectiveness and reduction in energy losses without sacrificing the requirements
of Security Standards and Safety Standards for the Distribution System.
13 The Distribution Licensee shall plan the Distribution System expansion and
reinforcement keeping the following in view along with all other measures to
accommodate the advancement in technology prevailing at the time:
(a) Economic ratio of HT and LT line lengths,
(b) Use of aerial bunched conductors,
(c) Underground cables,
(d) Optimising the number of distribution transformers and their location at the
electrical load centres.

4.6 ENERGY AUDIT

1 The Distribution Licensee shall create responsibility centres for energy audit. Cities
and towns with population of 50,000 and above, shall be made as responsibility
centres and accountable for the energy sales and calculation of distribution losses.
Load survey meters with a data retaining capacity of at least 45 days shall be
installed for all the incoming/outgoing feeders in the area identified for each such
responsibility centre.
2 The Distribution Licensee shall carry out energy audit of his total system compiling
the data and analysis carried out in each responsibility centre in the best possible
manner. The energy received from each substation shall be measured at the 11 kV
terminal switchgear of all the outgoing feeders installed with appropriate energy

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meters such that the energy supplied to the each feeder is accurately available. It
shall be compared with the corresponding figures of monthly energy sales and the
distribution loss for each feeder shall be worked out. In case the Distribution
Licensee has adopted ring main system at 11kV and there is difficulty in
determining the distribution losses for each feeder, then the Distribution Licensee
shall work out distribution losses for the overall Area of Supply.

***
5.

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SECTION-5

CONNECTIVITY CONDITIONS

5.1 INTRODUCTION:
1 The Connectivity Conditions specify the minimum technical and design criteria,
which shall be complied by any agency connected to, or seeking connection to the
Distribution System. The Distribution Licensee shall ensure compliance of the
above criteria by any agency as a pre-requisite for the establishment of an agreed
connection. The connectivity conditions should fulfill the requirement stipulated in
section 50 and 53 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

5.2 OBJECTIVES
1 The Connectivity Conditions are provided to ensure that:
(a) The basic rules for connections are complied by all agencies. This will help to
treat all agencies in a non-discriminatory manner.
(b) Any new or modified connection, when established, shall not suffer
unacceptable effects due to its connection to the Distribution System nor
produce unacceptable effects on the system or any other connected agency.
(c) The ownership and responsibility for all the equipments, shall be clearly
specified in a schedule (site responsibility schedule) for every site, where a
connection is made.

5.3 OPERATIONAL LABELING

1 The Licensee and the Consumers shall be responsible for the provision and
maintenance of clear, unambiguous signs and labels indicating the numbering and /
or name of the equipment / apparatus and circuit at the substations and connection
sites. The equipment installed shall conform its relevant I.S specification and the
ratings and salient specification shall be maintained on the equipments nameplate.
No electrical equipment shall be used without its manufacturers nameplate
permanently affixed to it. In the event of such discrepancies observed, the same
shall be treated as per pertinent section of Electricity Act, 2003.

5.4 SYSTEM PERFORMANCE:

1 The design and construction of all the equipment connected to the Distribution
System shall satisfy the relevant Indian Standard Specifications to the maximum
extent possible. In case of equipment for which the Indian Standard Specifications
do not exist, the appropriate IEC, or IEEE or other International Standards shall
apply.
2 Installation of all electrical equipment shall comply with rules and code of practice
in force.
3 For every new connection sought, the Distribution Licensee shall specify the
Connection Point/ Interface Point and the supply voltage, along with the metering
and protection requirements as specified in the "Metering and Protection code"
under section 7 of this code.

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4 The operation of the Distribution System shall be in accordance with the
"Distribution System Operating Standard" under Power System Management &
Operation Standard. The User shall however be subject to the distribution
discipline prescribed by the SLDC/Distribution Licensee.
5 The insulation co-ordination of the Users' equipment shall conform to the
applicable Indian Standards/Code of practices. The rupturing capacity of the
switchgear shall not be less than that notified by the Distribution Licensee.

5.5 CONNECTION POINT/ INTERFACE POINT:

1 Connection to Transmission System shall be governed by the relevant clauses of
Grid Code.
2 Connection of Small Generators (not below 1MW to Distribution Systems at
voltage 66kV and above): Bus bars may be provided at the Generating station. All
generating units shall inject the output into the bus bars via the synchronising
breaker. The isolator between the synchronising breaker and the bus bars is the
boundary between the Generator and the Distribution Licensee. The current
transformers of the tariff metering shall be connected near the synchronising
breaker. The voltage transformers (including the standby set) of the tariff metering
shall be connected to the bus-bars. However, the small generators based on
non-conventional source of energy will be exempted and will be allowed for the
connection with Distribution System/ Transmission System as feasible.
3 EHT/HT Consumers: The supply voltage may be 220kV/ 132kV/ 66kV/ 22 kV or
11 kV or voltage as agreed by the Distribution Licensee. The substations shall be
owned by the Users. The boundary shall be the feeder entry in the premises of the
Users or when so provided it shall be the busbar between breakers of the
Distribution Licensee and the EHT/ HT Consumers.
4 Low voltage and Medium Voltage Consumers: The incoming terminal of the cut
out circuit breaker installed by the Consumer is the boundary of low voltage and
medium voltage Consumers. The tariff metering shall be provided before a fuse
unit / circuit breaker of the Consumer. The metering equipment shall be provided
at the entry point of Consumer Premises in a safe location, preferably at the entry
of the Premises or in a common passage on ground floor for easy access for the
purpose of meter reading, maintenance, repairs, inspection, etc. The meter
equipment shall be provided inside a box sealed by the Distribution Licensee and
the User/Consumer shall not disturb the seal metering equipment and shall take
reasonable care for protecting the meter and equipment.

5.6 PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR CONNECTIONS TO THE

SYSTEM:
1 Any User seeking use of Distribution System may submit an application for
connection to the Licensee as per the procedures and formats prescribed under
Supply Code or in a format specially developed by Licensees for specific users.
Prospective large customers may enclose information as per Annexure 1 of
Section 4.

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5.7 ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF APPLICATION FOR
CONNECTION:
1 The acceptance or rejection of Consumers application for supply connection shall
be as per the Supply Code.

5.8 CONNECTION AGREEMENTS:

1 A connection Agreement of Consumer shall be in accordance with Supply Code.

***
6.

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SECTION-6

OPERATION CODE

6.1 INTRODUCTION:
1 This section contains the procedures and practices to be followed for a safe and
efficient operation of the Distribution System by the Distribution Licensee and by
the Users of the Distribution System of their electrical plant and lines which are
connected to the Distribution Licensees system. This shall also apply to any
electrical interface between two Distribution Licensees for a safe and efficient
operation of interface.
2 The following aspects of operation are covered in this section:
(a) Demand Estimation
(b) Outage Planning
(c) Contingency Planning
(d) Demand Side Management and Load Shedding
(e) Interface with Small Generating Plant including CPPs
(f) Communication
(g) Monitoring and Control of voltage, frequency and power factor.
(h) Safety Co-ordination.
(i) Maintenance and testing
(j) Tools and spares
(k) Training

6.2 DEMAND ESTIMATION:

1 The Distribution Licensee shall estimate his hourly and daily Demand for his Area
of Supply on the basis of relevant load curves drawn on day ahead basis subject to
modifications depending upon the communication received from any specific User
or caused by any contingency. This may be given to SLDC as may be required.
2 For this purpose, the concerned major Users identified by the Distribution Licensee
shall furnish the required data pertaining to their demands of their installation to
him.

3 OUTAGE PLANNING:
1 The Distribution Licensee shall furnish his proposed outage programs to the
Transmission Licensee on a month ahead basis.
2 The outage program shall contain identification of lines and equipment of the
Distribution System proposed by Licensee.
3 The outage plan proposed by the Licensee shall come into effect only after the
Transmission Licensee releases the finally agreed transmission outage plan.
4 However at the time the line or equipment is taken out of service, the Distribution
Licensee shall intimate the Transmission Licensee to facilitate in accommodating
their maintenance work, if possible, even though the same is already included in
the approved plan.
5 In case of lines and equipment of 66 kV and above the specific concurrence of
SLDC shall be obtained in addition to the above.

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6 The above procedure shall not apply under the following circumstances:
(a) Emergency situations to save plant and machinery;
(b) In such of the unforeseen emergency situations requiring isolation of lines or
equipment to save human life,
(c) Where disconnection is to be effected on any User installation due to breach of
Agreement. In this case the SLDC shall be informed wherever the load to the
extent of 5 MW or more is affected.
7 Planned outages of Power System for the duration as specified in Standard of
Performance for Licensee for maintenance purposes shall be intimated to the public
through media including publishing in at least two largely circulated Newspapers
(one in English and one in Gujarati) of that area, two days in advance.

6.4 CONTINGENCY PLANNING:

1 A contingency situation may arise in the event of a total or partial blackout in the
Transmission System. A contingency may also arise on a part of the Distribution
System due to local breakdowns in the Distribution System itself. It may also arise
due to a breakdown in the Apparatus of the Transmission Licensee at the point of
interconnection.
2 Transmission System Failure:
(a) In case of a total blackout at any point in the Area of Supply of Distribution
Licensee, the Distribution Licensee shall follow the black start procedures
framed by the Transmission Licensee.
(b) The Distribution Licensee shall sectionalise the Distribution System into
discrete blocks of demand. The Licensee shall advise and co-operate with the
SLDC for the amount of MW load likely to be picked up on switching each
demand block.
(c) The Distribution Licensee shall prepare a schedule of essential and
non-essential loads in order of priority at each connection to be picked up
during the restoration process.
(d) The Distribution Licensee shall ensure and maintain the load generation
balance under the direction of the SLDC.
(e) The Distribution Licensee shall maintain direct communication links with the
SLDC.
(f) The Distribution Licensee shall furnish the names and designations of the
person(s) with their telephone numbers and stations, authorised to deal with
contingency operations, to the SLDC.
3 Distribution System Failure:
(a) Interruptions to power supply in any part of the Distribution System lasting for
the period as specified in Standard of Performance for Licensee due to
breakdown in any part of the Distribution System may be termed as a
Distribution System Failure.
(b) The Distribution Licensee shall evolve a restoration process for such a
Distribution System Failure.
4 Failure of the Apparatus of the Transmission Licensee:
(a) The Distribution Licensee shall immediately contact the authorised person at
the substation of the Transmission Licensee, and assess the probable period of

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restoration and the probable restriction of load drawl from the affected
substation.
(b) The Distribution Licensee shall effect the demand management plan
accordingly.

6.5 DEMAND MANAGEMENT AND LOAD SHEDDING:

1 Temporary Load Shedding may be resorted to for maintaining the load generation
balance as instructed by the SLDC. This may also be necessary due to loss of any
circuit or equipment or any other operational contingency.
2 The Distribution Licensee shall estimate loads that may be shed in discrete blocks
at each Connection Point / Interface Point or in overall Area of Supply in
consultation with the Users supplied through independent circuits as required. Such
Users shall co-operate with the Licensee in this regard. The Distribution Licensee
shall work out the sequence of load shedding operations and the detailed procedure
shall be furnished to the persons in-charge of substations concerned where such
load shedding has to be carried out. In case of automatic load shedding through
under frequency relays, the circuits and the amount of load to be interrupted with
corresponding relay settings shall be co-ordinated with the SLDC and persons in
charge of the substations of the Distribution Licensee as necessary.
3 If the duration of unplanned load shedding to any part of the Distribution System
exceeds 60 minutes, the affected Consumers having contract demand of 5MW and
above may be suitably intimated. The essential services such as public hospital,
public water works, sewage works, etc. shall be intimated over the telephone
wherever possible.

6.6 INTERFACE WITH SMALL GENERATING UNITS INCLUDING CPPS

1 If the Distribution Licensee has an interface with any generating unit including
CPP and an Agreement for this purpose exists, the Distribution Licensee and the
concerned owner of the generating unit shall abide by the following provisions in
addition to the provisions contained in this Code as applicable to all the Users:
(a) The owner shall provide suitable protection at the interface to protect his
system from any damage due to normal and abnormal conditions in the
Distribution System.
(b) If the generator is an induction generator, the owner shall take adequate
precautions to limit the system disturbances, when the induction generator is
synchronised in consent with the Distribution Licensee. Generators having
induction generators shall install adequate capacitors to compensate the
reactive power drawl. Also whenever the power is found very low during
starting period and causes voltage dip in the Licensees system the Licensee
may advise the owner to install capacitors and the generator shall comply.
Failure to comply entails penalty and/or disconnection from the system as per
provision of rules and Acts.
(c) The owner shall comply with the provisions of the Grid Code.

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6.7 COMMUNICATION:
1 Reliable communication links viz telephone, fax, teleprinter, etc. shall be
established for exchange of data, information and operating instructions between
the Licensee, Consumer with a demand of 5 MW and above and the SLDC. Each
constituent shall ensure installation and maintenance of proper communication
infrastructure at his end.

6.8 MONITORING AND CONTROL OF VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND

POWER FACTOR:
1 The Distribution Licensee shall monitor the voltage, frequency and power factors
in the Distribution System at different points at peak and off-peak hours and take
reasonable measures for improvement of the same in co-ordination with the Users
with demand of 5 MW and above, and the Transmission Licensee.
2 The Distribution Licensee shall take power factor improvement measures at
strategic points in the Distribution System by carrying out system studies and
installing the required reactive compensation equipment.
3 The voltage in the Distribution System may vary depending upon the available
generation, system demand, and the configuration of Transmission and Distribution
Systems at any time. Under normal operating conditions the Licensee shall exercise
proper voltage management in the Distribution System beyond the point of
connection with the Transmission System to maintain voltage at all levels
according to the quality of supply mentioned in the Distribution System Planning
and Security Standard as mentioned under Attachment 1 of this code. The
capacitors, wherever available in the 22/11 kV substations shall be operated to
maintain reactive compensation to be within acceptable limits of power factor of at
least 0.9 keeping the bus voltage in view.
4 Users having loads with high harmonic content, low Power Factor and fluctuations
shall install appropriate correction equipment.
5 The Distribution Licensee shall abide by the instructions issued by the SLDC from
time to time on load management for maintaining the frequency of supply within
the specified limits.

6.9 SAFETY CO-ORDINATION

1 The Distribution Licensee and the Users (comprising Generating Companies,
Transmission Licensee and Consumers having load above 5MW or dedicated lines)
and any other Distribution Licensee having common electrical interface with the
Licensee shall designate suitable persons to be responsible for safety co-ordination.
These persons shall be referred to as Control Persons. Their designations and
telephone numbers shall be exchanged between all the concerned persons. Any
change in the list shall be notified promptly to all the concerned.
2 The Distribution Licensee and such Users as mentioned under 6.9.1 shall prepare
safety manuals incorporating all the safety precautions to be taken for each
component of the Distribution System based on the Distribution System under
"Power System Safety Standard" issued separately. All the safety rules and
precautions shall be observed when work is to be carried out on any line or

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apparatus, switchgear or circuits in any part of the Distribution System or in any
part of the User System. The safety manuals thus prepared shall be issued to all the
control persons and such Users for compliance.
3 There shall be co-ordination between persons of the Distribution Licensee and the
Users, between persons of two Distribution Licensees having electrical interfaces,
for carrying out the work on any apparatus or lines etc., belonging to either party at
the point of interconnection.
4 The provisions of the Grid Code shall be followed at Connection Points/ Interface
Points in co-ordination with the Transmission Licensee.
5 The disconnecting device(s) at each electrical interface, which shall be capable of
effectively disconnecting the system of the Distribution Licensee and the other
Users, and the grounding devices of the respective systems at the control boundary
shall be identified and marked by the Licensee and the respective Users. These
shall be maintained in good condition at all times. To prevent inadvertent
switching operations by unauthorised persons, such disconnecting devices shall be
provided with interlocks.
6 Wherever any Consumer has installed an emergency power supply system, either
an electronic system with storage batteries or with generators, the arrangement
shall be such that the same cannot be operated without clearly isolating the system
from the supply mains. The responsibility of making the required arrangement for
isolation from supply mains shall be of the User and this shall be part of the
electrical layout submitted to Electrical Inspector for his approval. The possibility
of a feed back from these devices to the Distribution System from any of the
conductors, including the neutral conductor shall be clearly ruled out.
7 The appropriate Control Person at the electrical interface shall issue written
permission to his counterpart for carrying out the work on any apparatus,
switchgear or lines beyond the electrical interface. Such permissions shall be
termed as "Line Clear Permits" (LCP). The format for LCP shall be standardised by
the Distribution Licensee and shall be used by all concerned.
8 The Distribution Licensee in consultation with the concerned User shall frame
checklist of operations to be carried out and the procedures for safety coordination
for each electrical interface, before issue and return of LCPs. Such procedures and
checklists shall be issued to all the concerned by the Licensee for implementation.

6.10 MAINTENANCE AND TESTING

1 The Distribution Licensee shall prepare maintenance schedules for lines and
equipment to meet the level of maintenance as required in the "Distribution
System under Power System Management and Operating Standard" and
"Distribution System under Power System Safety Standard " issued separately by
GERC.
2 Regular testing of all the equipments, such as transformers, switchgear,
protective relays etc., should be carried out as recommended by the
manufacturers and the relevant code of practices issued by the Bureau of Indian
Standards and CBIP. These shall be carried out at the prescribed intervals and the
test results shall be recorded in the maintenance registers. Wherever the test
results indicate a decline in the insulation resistance and/or deterioration of the

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equipment, preventive maintenance shall be carried out to ensure serviceability,
safety and efficiency.
3 The Distribution Licensee shall maintain well trained hot-line personnel, and all
the required tools in good condition, and conduct the maintenance work by using
hot-line technique, wherever possible, to reduce the period of interruption.
4 The Users shall maintain their Apparatus and Power Lines at all times
conforming to I.E. Rules 1956 which are in force for time being and will be
replaced by new rules made under Electricity Act, 2003 and shall be suitable for
being connected to the Distribution System in a safe and reliable manner.

6.11 TOOLS AND SPARES

1 The Distribution Licensee shall ensure availability of proper tools and tackles at
all work places for carrying out the maintenance. The tools and tackles shall be
checked from time to time and their serviceability shall be ensured.
2 The Distribution Licensee shall maintain an inventory of spares required for
maintenance and replacement purposes at suitable locations according to a clear
policy to be laid down by the Licensee.

6.12 TRAINING
1 The Distribution Licensee shall make appropriate arrangements for imparting
training to his workmen and supervisory staff, incorporating up-to-date
techniques of Distribution System design, construction and maintenance, safety,
consumer services etc. He shall frame a suitable syllabus for this purpose.
***
7.

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SECTION 7

METERING AND PROTECTION CODE

7.1 INTRODUCTION:
1 This section specifies the procedure for metering in Distribution System with
respect to operational metering as well as tariff and commercial metering. This
section also specifies the general guidelines for protection of Distribution system.

7.2 OPERATIONAL METERING:

1 The minimum requirement of operational metering at Distribution System
substations shall be as follows:
(a) 66kV/ 22kV or 66kV/ 11kV or 33/11 kV substation
66/ 33 kV bus voltage
22 / 11kV bus voltage
66 / 33 kV incoming / outgoing current in each phase and each circuit
Power transformer primary and secondary currents in each phase of every
transformer.
22 / 11 kV outgoing feeder current in each phase for each feeder.
Power factor in each 22 / 11 kV feeder.
Load survey meters having memory duration of at least 45 days for all the
incoming and outgoing feeders (both 66 / 33 kV and 22 / 11 kV).
Facility to record energy in MWH and frequency at interval of 15 minutes
at point of connection with Transmission Licensee.
(b) Users System with Demand of 1 MW and above
Voltage
Current
Load
Power Factor
Energy

7.3 TARIFF AND COMMERCIAL METERING:

1 Tariff metering shall be provided at each point of interconnection between the
Distribution and Transmission Systems in accordance with the Grid Code and the
Transmission Services Agreement.
2 Tariff metering shall be provided at the Connection Points/ Interface Points
between the Users system and the Distribution System and shall be governed by
the provision in the Distribution Services Agreement.
3 All the meters, instrument transformers (CT/PT), metering cubicles and testing
procedures shall conform to the relevant Indian Standard Specification and relevant
provision made under the Electricity Act, 2003.
4 The CT/PT deployed for metering of energy supplied to the Consumers shall be of
class 0.2 accuracy. However, in case of rating of instrument transformers in
service, which are of 0.5 class, which may continue to be used. These shall also
conform to relevant IEC or IS specifications. On failure, the same shall be replaced
by suitable CT/PT of 0.2 class accuracy after exhausting the CT/PT of 0.5 class

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accuracy (as available in their inventory). It is desirable that the Distribution
Licensee shall purchase new CT/PT of 0.2 class accuracy.
5
6 The open access consumer, Generating company, Distribution licensee and traders
shall provide Meters, as may be specified by the Commission for such consumer
based on voltage, point and period of supply and tariff category (as also
incorporated in Grid Code) as per the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission
(Open Access in Intra-state Transmission & Distribution) Regulations, 2004.

7.4 MEASUREMENT OF ENERGY IMPORT/ EXPORT:

1 The Distribution Licensees shall install the following meters for all of their
sub-transmission lines connecting the generating stations, and substations for the
measurement of energy import/export from each Connection Point/ Interface Point,
energy generated in generating units and energy consumed in power stations and
substations:
(a) Active energy import.
(b) Active energy export.
(c) Reactive energy import.
(d) Reactive energy export.
2 Each metering point associated with the determination of energy exported or
imported, between the Generating Companies, Transmission Licensees and
Distribution Licensees shall be provided with both main and check meters. The
minimum standard of accuracy of these meters shall be of accuracy class 0.2. These
meters shall conform to the relevant IEC or IS specifications. However, the
Distribution Licensee shall continue to use the available meters, until not exhausted
in their inventory. However, the meter purchased after implementation of this code,
the Distribution Licensee shall purchase the meter of 0.2 class accuracy.
3 All the instrument transformers used in conjunction with commercial (tariff)
metering shall also be of accuracy class 0.2 and conform to the relevant IEC or IS
specifications. The rating shall be suitable for catering the burdens of lead wires
and metering. However, in case of rating of instrument transformers in service,
which are of 0.5 class, which may continue to be used. These shall also conform to
relevant IEC or IS specifications. On failure, the same shall be replaced by suitable
CT/PT of 0.2 class accuracy after exhausting the CT/PT of 0.5 class accuracy (as
available in their inventory). It is desirable that the Distribution Licensee shall
purchase new CT/PT of 0.2 class accuracy.
4 Data collection shall be used to integrate impulses from meters over each
integration period as per agreement, store values, and to transmit the same to the
data collection system of the Distribution Licensee. Data shall be collected from
both the main and check metering schemes.
5 Voltage failure relays shall be provided to initiate alarm on loss of one or more
phases of the voltage supply to the meter.
6 Main and check meters shall be provided at all Connection Points/ Interface Points.
All the meters shall be tested and calibrated according to the guidelines provided in

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the relevant IEC/IS specifications at least once a year and also whenever the
difference in readings between the main and check meters exceed 0.5%.
7 Records of these calibrations and tests shall be maintained for reference.
8 The Generating Companies, Transmission Licensees and Distribution Licensees
shall formulate and agree upon a procedure covering summation, collection and
processing of tariff meter readings at various interconnection sites of their area.
Whenever necessary, these procedures can be revised.
9
10 The ownership, responsibility of maintenance and testing of these meters shall be
as mutually agreed to between the Users and the concerned Licensees.
11 The term Meter shall include Current transformers, voltage/potential
transformers, wiring between them and meter box/panel.

7.5 PROTECTION SYSTEM:

1 No item of electrical equipment shall be allowed to remain connected to the system
unless it is covered by the appropriate protection aimed at reliability, selectivity,
speed and sensitivity. The Distribution Licensees shall cooperate with the
Transmission Licensee to ensure correct and appropriate settings of protection to
achieve effective, discriminatory isolation of faulty line/equipment within the time
target clearance specified by the Transmission Licensee.
2 Protection settings shall not be altered, or protection bypassed and/or disconnected
without consultation and agreement of all the affected Users. In case the protection
has been bypassed and/or disconnected by agreement due to any cause, the same
should be rectified and protection restored to normal condition as quickly as
possible. If agreement has not been reached, the electrical equipments shall be
isolated forthwith.
3 The settings of protective relays for 22 kV and 11 kV lines shall be such that a fault
in any section does not affect the section between the generating unit and the faulty
section under all conditions. The Transmission Licensee shall notify the initial
settings and any subsequent changes to the Users from time to time. Routine
checks on the performance of the protective relays shall be conducted and any
malfunction shall be noted and corrected as soon as possible. Short circuit studies
required for deciding the relay settings shall be conducted by the Licensee with the
data collected from the Transmission Licensee and the Users. Representatives of
the Generating Companies, Transmission Licensees and Distribution Licensees
shall meet periodically to discuss such malfunctions, changes in the system
configuration, if any, and possible revised settings of relays.
4 The Transmission Licensee shall be responsible for arranging periodical meetings
between the Generating Companies and the Distribution Licensees to discuss
coordination of protection. The Transmission Licensee shall investigate any
malfunction of protection or other unsatisfactory protection issues. The concerned
Licensees shall take prompt action to correct any protection malfunction or other
unsatisfactory protection issue as discussed and agreed to in these periodical
meetings.
5 All generating units and all associated electrical equipment of the Generating
Company connected to the Distribution System shall be protected by adequate

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protection, as per CBIP manual vide publication 274, so that the system does not
suffer due to any disturbances originating at the generating unit.
6 Distribution System:- For Power Transformers of HV class in the Distribution
System, differential protection shall be provided for 10 MVA and above along with
backup time lag over current and earth fault protection with directional feature for
parallel operation. Transformers of 1.6 MVA and above but less than 5 MVA shall
be protected by time lag over current and earth fault. . In addition, all power
transformers shall be provided with gas operated relays, winding and oil
temperature alarm and protection.
7 Distribution lines: - All the 22 kV and 11 kV lines at Connection Points / Interface
Points shall be provided with a minimum of over current and earth fault relays as
follows:
(a) Plain radial feeders: Non-directional time lag over current and earth fault relays
with suitable settings to obtain discrimination between adjacent relay settings.
(b) Parallel/ring feeders: Directional time lag over current and earth fault relay.

7.6 FIRE PROTECTION:

1 All adequate precaution shall be taken and protection shall be provided against fire
hazards to all apparatus in the System conforming to the relevant Indian Standard
Specifications and/or provisions of under other relevant rules as amended from
time to time and the tariff advisory committee recommendations.
***

8.

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SECTION-8

CROSS BOUNDARY SAFETY CODE

8.1 INTRODUCTION:
1 This section specifies the requirements for safe working practices for maintenance
of equipment associated with cross boundary operations and lays down the
procedure to be followed when the work is carried out on electrical equipment
connected to another User's System. User may mean another Licensee so that this
Code applies for safety across the boundary between two Licensees also, by
substituting another Licensee for User.

8.2 OBJECTIVE:
1 The objective of this section is to achieve an agreement on the principles of safety
when working across a control boundary between the Distribution Licensee and the
Users.

8.3 CONTROL PERSONS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY:

1 The Distribution Licensee and all the Users (comprising Generation Companies,
Transmission Licensees and consumers having load above 5MW or dedicated line)
shall nominate suitably authorised and technically qualified persons to be
responsible for the co-ordination of safety across their boundary. These persons
shall be referred to as "Control Persons".

8.4 PROCEDURE:
1 The Distribution Licensee shall issue a list of Control Persons with their names,
designations, addresses and telephone numbers, to all the Users having direct
control boundary with him. This list shall be updated promptly whenever there is
any change of name, designation or telephone number of any Control Person
named in the list.
2 All the Users such as mentioned in 8.3.1 having a direct control boundary with the
Distribution Licensee shall issue a similar list of their Control Persons to the
Licensee. This list shall be updated promptly whenever there is any change of
name, designation or telephone number of any Control Person named in the list.
3 Whenever any work across a cross boundary is to be carried out by the User or the
Distribution Licensee, the Control Person of the User or the Licensee as the case
may be, who has to carryout the work, shall directly contact his counter part. Code
words shall be agreed to at the time of work to ensure correct identification of both
the parties. Contact between Control Persons shall normally be made by direct
telephone.
4 If the work extends beyond one shift, the Control Person shall hand over charge to
the relief Control Person and fully brief him on the nature of work and the code
words in the operation.
5 The Control Persons shall co-operate to establish and maintain the precautions
necessary to be taken for carrying out the required work in a safe manner. Both the

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established isolation and the established earth shall be kept in the locked positions
wherever such facilities exist, and these shall be clearly identified.
6 The Control Person in charge of the work shall satisfy himself that all the safety
precautions to be taken are established before commencing the work. He should
issue the safety documentation to the working party to allow the work to
commence.
7 After the completion of the work, the Control Person in charge of the work being
carried out should satisfy himself that the safety precautions taken are no longer
required, and shall make a direct contact with his counterpart Control Person and
request removal of the safety precautions. The equipment shall be declared as
suitable for return to service only after confirmation of removal of all the safety
precautions, by direct communication, using the code word contact between the
two Control Persons, and the return of agreed safety documentation from the
working party.
8 The Distribution Licensee shall develop an agreed written procedure for Cross
Boundary Safety and continuously update the same.
9 Any dispute concerning Cross Boundary Safety shall be resolved at the level of
STU, if STU is not a party. In case where STU is a party, the dispute shall be
referred to the GERC for resolution of the dispute.

8.5 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

1 All the equipment on Cross Boundary Circuits, which may be used for the purpose
of safety co-ordination and establishment of isolation and earthing, shall be
permanently and clearly marked with an identification number or name being
unique to the particular sub-station. These equipments shall be regularly inspected
and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
2 Each Control Person shall maintain a legibly written safety log, in chronological
order, of all operations and messages relating to the safety co-ordination sent and
received by him. All these safety logs shall be retained for a period of not less than
ten years.
3 As far as possible each of the Distribution Licensees shall maintain an updated map
of his system pertaining to the area fed by each substation. Otherwise the schematic
diagram of the system for 22kV and above shall be maintained and exhibited in the
concerned area offices of the Distribution Licensee.
***
9.

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SECTION- 9

INCIDENT/ACCIDENT REPORTING

9.1 INTRODUCTION
1 This Section covers procedure of major incident / accident reporting (which occur
in Distribution System) by User to Licensee and Licensee to User and GERC.

9.2 MAJOR INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT REPORTING:

1 The Distribution Licensee shall send a preliminary report to GERC all the
significant Incidents in the Licensee's Area of Supply, which results in interruption
to service, substantial damage to equipment or loss of life or significant injury to
human beings within one week of its occurrence followed by a detailed report
within one month.
2 The Distribution Licensee and the Users shall establish a format and procedure for
exchange of information.
3 The Users shall furnish information to the Distribution Licensee regarding any
major incident occurring in their Systems promptly.

9.3 REPORTING PROCEDURE

1 All reportable incidents occurring in the lines and equipments of 11 kV and 22 kV
substations shall be promptly reported orally by the Licensee whose equipment has
experienced the incident, to all other significantly affected Users identified by the
Distribution Licensee and the Transmission Licensee. The reporting Distribution
Licensee should submit a written report to the Transmission Licensee within one
hour of such oral report. If the reporting incident is of major nature, the written
report shall be submitted within two hours duly followed by a comprehensive
report within 48 hours of the submission of the initial written report. In other cases,
the reporting Distribution Licensee shall submit a report within five working days
to the Transmission Licensee.
2 The Transmission Licensee shall call for a report from any Distribution Licensee
on any reportable incident affecting other Users and particularly in case such User
whose equipment might have been a source of the reportable incident does not
report the same. However this shall not relieve any User from the obligation to
report Events in accordance with Rules framed under relevant provision made
under Electricity Act, 2003. The format for such a report shall be as per the
approval of the Distribution Code Review Panel and shall typically contain the
following:
(a) Location of the incident,
(b) Date and time of the incident,
(c) Plant or Equipment involved,
(d) Supplies interrupted and the duration wherever applicable,
(e) Amount of Generation lost, wherever applicable,
(f) System Parameters before and after the incident, (Voltage, Frequency, Load,
Generation, etc.)
(g) Network configuration before the incident,

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(h) Relay indications and performance of protection,
(i) Brief description of the incident,
(j) Estimated time of return to service,
(k) Any other relevant information,
(l) Recommendations for future improvement,
(m)Name and designation of the reporting person.
3 The report shall contain sufficient detail to describe the event to enable the
recipient to assess the implications and risks arising out of the same. The recipient
may ask for clarifications and additional information wherever necessary and it is
obligatory that the reporting User shall put his best efforts and provide all the
necessary and reasonable information.
4 In case of a request by either party, the oral report shall be written down by the
sender and dictated by way of a telephone message or sent by Fax/e-mail to the
recipient. In case of an emergency the report can be given only orally and followed
by written confirmation.
5 Reporting of accidents shall be in accordance with the rules framed under relevant
provision made under Electricity Act, 2003 or other applicable rules. Till such
rules are made, the Distribution Licensee shall follow reporting of accidents as
mentioned in Power System Safety Standard.
***

10.

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ATTACHMENT - 1

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING AND SECURITY STANDARD

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1 The Distribution System Planning and Security Standard specifies the guidelines
for planning methodology of the Distribution System. The scope of this standard
covers
(a) Quality of power supply
(b) Load forecast
(c) Planning procedure.
(d) Service area of a distribution network.
(e) Planning standards.
(f) Reliability analysis.
(g) Standardisation of design of distribution transformer
(h) Standardisation of substation layouts
(i) Reactive Compensation
(j) Service Mains
(k) Metering Cubicles
(l) Security Standards

2.0 QUALITY OF POWER SUPPLY

1 Frequency: The rated frequency shall be 50 Hz. All the constituents of the Power
System shall make all possible efforts to ensure that the grid frequency remains
within the bandwidth of 49.0 -50.5 Hz.
2 Voltage: - The voltage at any point of the system under normal operating
conditions shall not depart from the declared voltage by more than the values
specified under IS Specification.
3 Harmonic content: - As per IEEE recommendations, the total harmonic content in
the supply voltage for sensitive loads shall not exceed 5 percent, with any single
harmonic content not exceeding 3 percent. The respective User responsible for
generating harmonics and affect the distribution system shall be responsible for
corrective action.

3.0 LOAD FORECAST:

1 The Distribution Licensee shall prepare a rolling short - term load forecast annually
for a period of five years in his Area of Supply duly estimating the probable load
growth and the consumption pattern of the Consumers. The forecast thus made
shall be updated every year depending on the actual load that has come in that year
and the changes in assumption, if any, required for the next years.
2 Preliminary Load Estimation/Assessment:
1 Domestic and Commercial Loads: The consumption in domestic and commercial
sectors shall be estimated on the basis of the number of Consumers and their
specific consumption. The past growth rate in the number of Consumers in the area
shall be studied. In cases where power shortages have been experienced in the
recent past, the growth rate to be adopted shall take into consideration the

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appropriate demand making due allowance in the growth rate to account for
increased tempo of household electrification envisaged in the future. The higher
level of electrification planned in the area should be kept in view. Energy
consumption per Consumer shall be estimated after studying the past trends and
taking into account the anticipated improvements in the standard of living.
2 Public Lighting and Water Works: The estimates of electricity consumption in
public lighting and water works shall be based on the average consumption per
kilowatt of connected load, projected on the basis of trends, keeping in mind the
likely increase in public lighting and water supply facilities. The number of hours
of operation shall be estimated taking into account the past trends and the power
cuts if any effected in the area.
3 Agricultural Loads: The power requirement for irrigation pump sets shall be based
on the program of energisation of pump sets in the plan period, available resources
and the ultimate ground water potential. The average capacity of pump sets shall be
worked out considering the mid-year figures for connected load and the number of
pump sets. The consumption per IP set per year shall be estimated by means of
representative sample studies till all the IP sets are metered.
4 Industrial Loads: The power requirements for industrial sector shall be estimated
under following three categories, viz.
(a) L.T. Industries;
(b) H.T. Industries with a demand of less than 5 MW;
(c) H.T. Industries with a demand of 5 MW & above.
The consumption in category (a) & (b) shall be on the basis of historical data duly
considering the developments in future. In case of category (c), projection shall be
made separately for each industrial unit on the basis of the information furnished
by the industrialists and the Department of Industries.
5 Non-industrial Bulk Supply: The available data regarding the consumption of bulk
supply to non-industrial Consumers such as research establishments, port trusts,
military engineering services, supply to power projects etc., and the probable future
developments in these areas, shall be considered for the forecast.
6 Other Loads: For other loads, the projections shall be based on the best judgement.

3 Load forecast procedure

1 Load forecasting methods using the above data and relevant indices by adopting
one of the suitable methods applicable to specific locations and prevailing
conditions shall be adopted.
2 In addition to the above, the effects of demand side management, requirement of
power for pending applications, the increase in demand due to improvement in the
operating frequency close to 50 Hz shall also be estimated. The Distribution
Licensee shall work out Peak Demand for each of the succeeding five years
relating to Connection Point/ Interface Point with the Transmission System as well
as the annual Energy Demand and Peak Demand for each of the succeeding five
years for overall Area of Supply on the basis of Load forecast. However, if the
Distribution Licensee receive power at a number of Connection Points / Interface
Points in a compact area, which are interconnected in a ring, then such Distribution
Licensee shall forward the overall short term Demand forecast at each Connection

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Point / Interface Point with the variation or tolerance as mutually discussed and
agreed upon with the STU.
3 The diversity factor of each category of Consumers fed in the Area of Supply shall
be worked out by installation of load survey meters at selected typical locations. A
record of such data shall be maintained and continuously updated. The short-term
load forecast for a period of five years, based on these data shall be prepared.

4.0 PLANNING PROCEDURE

1 The Distribution System shall be planned and developed in such a way that the
system should be capable of catering the requirement of all categories of
Consumers with a safe, reliable, economical and quality supply of electricity as
indicated in clause 2.0 of this section. However the Consumer shall extend full
support to the Distribution Licensee to enable the Distribution Licensee for quality
supply of electricity. The Distribution System shall conform to the statutory
requirements of all the relevant code, standards and acts in force.

5.0 SERVICE AREA OF A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

1 The service area of a distribution network is an area in which the load is supplied
by a substation by one or more number of feeders, as required. The distribution
network fed from the distribution transformers and the substations from which the
11 kV feeders emanate shall be initially planned as independent networks within
their respective service area. Further, wherever possible, provision shall be made
for interconnection with adjacent networks and/or substations for an alternate
supply in case of failure. The design of distribution lines shall incorporate features
to enable their augmentation in future, with minimum interruption to power supply.
The existing right of way shall be fully exploited.
2 The Distribution Licensee shall take suitable measures, sufficiently in advance, to
augment the capacity of the feeders in the event the voltage regulation limit is
exceeded within the area.
3 Appropriate software to compute the design of the distribution network shall be
used to obtain lowest possible energy losses for different loading conditions for the
following:
(a) The location and the capacity of the distribution transformers;
(b) Routing of LV and HV networks;
(c) The sizes of conductors;
(d) The ratio of the lengths of HT and LT distribution lines for the new lines
planned shall be optimised and the existing Distribution System shall be
modified in a phased manner to reduce the distribution losses.
(e) The voltage regulation limits for all loading conditions.

6.0 PLANNING STANDARDS

1 Standardisation of Sizes and Ratings: Adequate provision for future load
development shall be made while selecting the sizes of power conductors and
rating of distribution transformers. The sizes of power conductors, insulators,
lightning arresters, transformers, switchgear, etc. used in the Distribution System

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shall be standardised with the objective of reducing inventory and standard
specifications shall be prepared.
2 Design Criteria for Distribution Lines
1 Radial system of distribution can be adopted in rural areas and as far as possible
loop system with provision for feeding from at least one alternate source shall be
adopted in urban areas.
2 The HT and LT distribution lines shall be any of the following types according to
the necessity at the required area.
(a) Over-head line with bare conductors;
(b) Over-head line with Aerial Bunched Cables;
(c) Under-ground Cables.
3 In thickly populated cities, in areas having heavy traffic densities, under ground
cable installation shall be considered to the extent possible. Wherever a number of
trees are encountered, either in residential locations or in gardens and forests,
over-head lines with aerial bunched cables shall be adopted. In other places
over-head lines with bare conductors shall be adopted. The following standards
shall be adopted for planning and design purposes:
(a) The design and construction of over-head lines with bare conductors shall be
generally in accordance with IS 5613 Part I, sections 1 and 2.
(b) Vertical configuration of conductors for LT distribution lines, to prevent
accidental short circuit due to galloping of conductors, shall preferably be
adopted in rural areas since the spans are large in such areas.
(c) The maximum length of LT and HT lines shall be maintained within the
prescribed limit so as a safe and quality power may be delivered.
(d) The design and construction of over-head lines with aerial bunched cables shall
be generally in accordance with REC Specifications 32 and IS 14255.
(e) The design and construction of under-ground cables shall be generally in
accordance with IS 1255.
4 The line supports can be of steel, wood, RCC or PCC. The RCC and PCC poles are
preferred over the other two considering their cost and longer life. The choice of
the size of conductor for a line shall be made based on the following criteria:
(a) Power to be transmitted and the techno-economic studies conducted for
selecting the size of conductor according to the cost of loss of power and the
interest and depreciation charges on the cost of the conductor thus selected;
(b) Length of Line;
(c) Line Voltage;
(d) Permissible voltage regulation;
(e) Mechanical strength;
(f) In coastal areas and other areas where severe corrosion is expected due to
heavy rainfall and/or salinity in atmosphere and theft prone areas, appropriate
conductors only shall be used.

7.0 RELIABILITY ANALYSIS

1 The planning of the extension and improvement to a Distribution System shall also
take into consideration the improvement in reliability of power supply to
Consumers. The appropriate reliability indices of power supply in the area fed by

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the Distribution System before and after the implementation of the extension and
improvement program shall be estimated. The planning of the distribution system
shall also take into consideration the improvement in reliability and efforts should
be made to collect the data in this regard.
2 The following factors, which affect reliability indices, shall be considered subject
to availability of data:
(a) Momentary incoming supply failures
(b) Momentary interruptions on 22 and 11 kV feeders
(c) Breakdown on LT feeders
(d) Prearranged shutdowns on lines and feeders
(e) Blowing out of distribution transformer fuses
(f) Individual fuse off calls

8.0 STANDARDISATION OF DESIGN AND RATING OF DISTRIBUTION

TRANSFORMERS
1 The design and rating of distribution transformers shall be standardised. As an
initial step, the various technical parameters required for the design shall be
incorporated in the specifications based on the experience on performance gained
among the various designs so far adopted. Later, standard designs of the
transformers and their detailed construction drawings shall be evolved based on the
performance of these transformers. These shall be adopted for future procurement.
This also ensures the inter-changeability of components of similar transformers
manufactured by any manufacturer.
2 A good quality assurance plan shall be aimed at the following:
(a) Good quality of raw materials;
(b) Quality control during manufacturing and routine tests;
(c) Acceptance tests at the time of taking delivery;
(d) Inspection and tests on transformers received at stores on random sampling;
(e) Thorough test on one transformer in a lot selected at random. The transformer
should be completely dismantled. The quality of core, coil, insulation etc are
physically inspected and samples of insulation and other components used etc.,
are tested.
(f) Ensuring performance guarantee for all distribution transformers for a
minimum period of 3 years.

9.0 STANDARDISATION OF SUB-STATION LAYOUTS

1 The Distribution Licensee shall develop standard layouts following relevant
standards, manuals and provisions of Electricity Act, 2003. The Licensee shall also
adopt latest technology as well as feedback from the experience gained.

10.0 REACTIVE COMPENSATION

1 Shunt capacitors un-switched/switched type, shall be installed at the appropriate
places in the Distribution System for power factor improvement, maintaining
satisfactory voltage profile and reduction of sub-transmission and Distribution
losses. The size and location of the capacitor installations shall be determined
using an appropriate program, with reliable field data. Suitable precautionary

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measures, such as automatic switching etc., shall be adopted to avoid over voltages
at light load periods.
2 Optimisation studies of shunt compensation shall be conducted by the Distribution
Licensee to determine the most appropriate sizes and locations for shunt capacitor
installations.

11.0 SERVICE MAINS

1 The service mains to Consumers shall be laid in accordance with relevant REC
Construction Standards for 230 V single phase and 400 V three phase supply and
shall conform to the provisions of Relevant Rules under Electricity Act, 2003.

12.0 METERING CUBICLES

1 The metering for 230 V single-phase supply shall be provided on a suitable board,
located in such a place protected from sun and rain and shall be in a convenient
position for taking readings. The terminals of the meter shall be made tamper-proof
and sealed. For 400 Volts three phase supply, the meters and associated metering
equipment including connections shall be enclosed in a suitable tamper-proof box.
The tamper-proof box shall be of sufficient strength and design with locking and
sealing devices and shall have adequate provision for heat dissipation with the
required electrical clearances. The design shall permit readings to be taken without
access to the meter or its connections.
2 For HT Consumers the meters, maximum demand indicators, and secondary
connections, shall be housed in a separate compartment and other secondary
apparatus such as instrument transformers and connections required shall be
housed in a separate metering compartment, which shall be locked / sealed to
prevent tampering.
3 The HT metering cubicle shall be suitable for cable entry on both sides or at least
on one side. No fuses are permitted in the secondary circuits of the instrument
transformers. The metering cubicle shall be painted with suitable epoxy paint for
installation in coastal areas and other areas experiencing heavy rainfall. The
instrument transformers shall be of fixed ratio and shall not have any taps. The
primary current rating of the current transformers shall match with the normal full
load current and the saturation point of the core shall be higher than the maximum
current that may occur due to simultaneous full load operation of all the connected
equipment and machinery.
4 For EHT Consumers, the secondary terminals of the instrument transformers shall
be locked and sealed and the secondary wires brought out in a suitable GI conduit
pipe upto the metering panel. There shall be no joints in the conduit pipes. The
meters shall be as close to the instrument transformers as possible and in no case
shall exceed ten (10) metres. The metering panel shall be housed in a weatherproof
and tamperproof box and sealed.

13.0 SECURITY STANDARDS

1 The Distribution System shall be planned and maintained so as to fulfill the
following security standards except under Force Majeure conditions beyond the
reasonable control of the Distribution Licensee.

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2 The feeders, either HT or LT, feeding important loads such as hospitals,
crematoria, airports, railway stations, and the like shall be planned to have a
selective switching system, so that selective switching can be operated to transfer
the load on to an alternate healthy feeder. Appropriate safety precautions shall
invariably be taken in this regard. In case of failure of the feeder, these switches
shall be operated immediately either manually or automatically depending on the
importance of the load.
3 The feeders connected to important industries which are very sensitive to
interruption of even short duration shall be planned to have automatic switchover
to an alternate healthy feeder in case of failure of supply.
4 Loading in any current carrying component of the Distribution System (e.g.
Conductors, joints, transformers, switchgear, cables and other apparatus) shall not
exceed 75% of their respective thermal limit.
5 The rupturing capacity of the switchgear employed in the system shall have at least
25% more capacity than the short circuit level computed even considering the
anticipated future development of the system.
6 Provision shall be made for every HT feeder, either primary or secondary, to
manually switch over to the immediately available HT feeder of the same voltage
class available in the vicinity. Provision shall be made in the design itself for any
HT feeder to share at least 50% of the loads in the adjacent feeder during
emergencies.
7 In case of single contingency; failure of any substation equipment controlling any
outgoing 11 kV feeder, the load interrupted shall not generally exceed 50% of the
total demand on the substation. The Distribution Licensee has to bring it down to
20% within a period of three years.
8 There shall be adequate stand by capacity in the system.
9 The design of the Distribution System shall accommodate the arrangements in such
a way that the electricity supply need not be interrupted for more than the specified
duration in Standard of Performance of Licensee in case of breakdown of any
distribution transformer. Similarly in case of failure of 11 kV feeders including
terminal equipment, the design shall accommodate an arrangement for the power
supply not to be interrupted to the extent possible.

***

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ANNEXURE 1

LOAD DATA FOR DEMANDS FOR OF 5 MW AND ABOVE (CLAUSE 4.3.3)

1. Type of Load:
(E.g. Furnace loads, rolling mills, traction loads, pumping loads, industrial loads etc.)
2. Maximum Demand (KVA)
3. Year(s) by which full/part load supply is required:
(Phasing of loads shall be furnished)
4. Location of load with a location map drawn to scale:
5. Rated voltage, frequency and number of phases at which supply is required:
6. Description of equipment:
a. Motors: (State the purpose and number of installations, voltage and KW rating,
method of starting, starting current and duration, type of motors, types of drives
and control equipments etc.)
b. Heating: (Type and KW rating)
c. Furnace: (Type, Furnace Transformer capacity and voltage ratio)
d. Electrolysis: (Purpose and KVA capacity)
e. Lighting: KW Demand.
f. Any other loads with particulars:
7. Sensitivity of Demand to fluctuations in voltage and frequency of supply at the time of
peak load: (Give details).
8. Phase unbalance imposed on the System:
Maximum:
Average:
9. Maximum harmonic content imposed on the System:
(Furnish details of devices proposed for the suppression of harmonics).
10. Details of the loads likely to cause demand fluctuations greater than 10 MW at the
point of connection including voltage dips (percentage) lasting for 5 seconds or more.

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ANNEXURE 2
SYSTEM DATA (CLAUSE 4.3.3)
The Distribution Licensee shall provide only relevant details out of the following details as
required by Consumer for designing and selecting electrical equipment:

1. Topological map of Gujarat marking boundaries of Area of Supply of the Licensee

2. Distribution map of the Distribution Licensee drawn to scale of at least 1 cm to 2.5
KM showing the existing 11 kV and 22 kV lines and substations within the Area of
Supply of the Licensee. Lines and substations under construction or planned for the
next five years shall be shown in dotted lines.
3. Single line diagram of the Distribution System showing line length, conductor sizes,
substation capacity, capacitor sizes with locations, auto-reclosures etc.
4. Details of Metering and Relaying at 66/22 kV and 66/11 kV substations.
5. Details of Grid substations at the point of interconnections as follows:
i. MVA Capacity and voltage,
ii. Number of transformers, capacity of each transformer, voltage ratios,
Ranges of taps, Impedance
iii. Fault level at substation busbars, both three phase and single line to ground
fault
iv. Bus impedance,
v. Substation layout diagram.
6. Drawl at Connection Points / Interface Point: Maximum and Minimum MW drawl
from each connection with the Transmission System or with other Distribution
Licensees during last six months.

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