## Policy Analysis Report: Authorization for NTPC Limited Transmission Line Project
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a Central Electricity Authority (CEA) order authorizing NTPC Limited to lay a dedicated overhead transmission line for their 230 MW solar power plant in Ettayapuram, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The order grants NTPC Limited powers equivalent to those of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, for establishing and maintaining electric lines for this project. The key finding is that this order facilitates the connectivity of the solar power plant to the grid, contributing to renewable energy infrastructure development.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an informative analysis of a Central Electricity Authority (CEA) order concerning the authorization granted to NTPC Limited for laying an overhead transmission line. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a new policy authorization tailored for a specific project.
* **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the connection of NTPC Limited's 230 MW solar power plant to the electricity transmission grid by granting the company the necessary authorizations and powers to lay dedicated overhead transmission lines. This includes enabling power transfer of at least 380 MW at nominal voltage.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This policy addresses the need to connect NTPC's 230 MW solar power plant to the grid. The Electricity Act, 2003, provides the framework for such infrastructure development. Section 164 of the Act allows the government to authorize entities to undertake such projects and to grant them powers similar to those of telegraph authorities for establishing and maintaining necessary infrastructure. The authorization follows prior approval under section 68(1) and a public notice period with no objections received, demonstrating a process compliant with regulatory requirements.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This is a new policy authorization, so the following are the key provisions:
* **Grant of Powers:** The CEA grants NTPC Limited all the powers that a telegraph authority possesses under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, concerning the placement of telegraph lines and posts. This enables NTPC to lay electric lines for their transmission scheme.
* **Project Scope:** The policy covers the laying of an overhead line from the NTPC Ettayapuram Solar PV project to the Tuticorin II GIS ISTS substation, a 230 kV single circuit line with high capacity conductor.
* **Geographic Coverage:** The transmission line will pass through specific villages, towns, and cities in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu, including Navilakkampatti, Chinnamalaikundru, Elambuvanam, Kumaragiri, Erachi, Duraiyur, Kuruvinaththam and Vadaku vandanam.
* **Terms and Conditions:** The authorization is subject to several terms and conditions:
* The approval is granted for 25 years.
* NTPC must seek consent from relevant authorities (local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, etc.) before line erection.
* NTPC must comply with the regulations and codes of the Appropriate Commission regarding transmission, OM (Operation and Maintenance), open access, etc., framed under the Electricity Act, 2003.
* NTPC must operate the line after approval from the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government.
* Compliance with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, and associated rules is mandatory.
* NTPC must submit requisite clearances (Civil Aviation, Defense, etc.) to the CEA at the time of Electrical Inspection.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience is NTPC Limited, as the authorization is specifically granted to them. Other stakeholders include:
* **Residents and landowners** in the villages and areas through which the transmission line will pass.
* **Local authorities (Panchayats)** and governmental bodies (Railways, National Highways, State Highways) whose consent is required.
* **The Central Electricity Authority** (CEA) which is responsible for monitoring compliance.
* **The Ministry of Power**, the governing body of the CEA.
* **The Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector** who approves the line for operation.
* **Consumers of electricity in Tamil Nadu** who will ultimately benefit from the increased power generation capacity.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is the primary responsible agency. NTPC Limited is responsible for implementing the project in compliance with the stipulated conditions. Other relevant agencies include local bodies, Railways, National Highways authorities, State Highways authorities, and the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector.
* **Timelines/Procedures:**
* The authorization is valid for 25 years.
* NTPC must obtain consent from various authorities before commencing erection of the line.
* NTPC must obtain approval from the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector before operating the line.
* NTPC is required to submit clearances from concerned authorities (Civil Aviation, Defense etc.) to the CEA at the time of the Electrical Inspection.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcome is the successful integration of NTPC's 230 MW solar power plant into the electricity grid, enabling the transmission of at least 380 MW of power. This will contribute to increasing renewable energy capacity and meeting the growing demand for electricity in the region. Successful implementation will enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
**9. Conclusion:**
The CEA order authorizes NTPC Limited to lay a dedicated transmission line, which facilitates the integration of a significant solar power plant into the grid. The authorization, subject to specific terms and conditions, demonstrates a commitment to promoting renewable energy infrastructure. The policy's successful implementation will contribute to increased renewable energy capacity, improved energy security, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to the overall development of the power sector.
Key Entities Referenced
RAKESH GOYAL: Secy., C.E.A.
New Delhi: Location of publication and office of NTPC Limited
Electricity Act, 2003: Indian legislation related to electricity
NTPC Limited: Applicant for authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003
Lodhi Road, New Delhi: Location of NTPC Bhawan, Scope Complex, 7 Institutional Area
Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu: Location of NTPCs 230 MW solar power plant at Ettayapuram
Ettayapuram: Location of NTPCs 230 MW solar power plant
CEA: Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, Government of India
Trinity Mirror: Local newspaper that published notice for transmission scheme
Dakshin Bhart Rashtramat: Local newspaper that published notice for transmission scheme
Makkal KuralTamil: Local newspaper that published notice for transmission scheme
Weekly Gazette of India: Publication where notice for the transmission scheme was published
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: Indian legislation related to telegraphs
TuticorinII GIS ISTS substation: Location of NTPC Ettayapuram Solar PV project
Tamil Nadu: State where the transmission line will pass through
Navilakkampatti: Village in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Chinnamalaikundru: Village in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Elambuvanam: Village in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Kumaragiri: Village in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Erachi: Village in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Duraiyur: Village in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Kovilpatti: Tehsil in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Kuruvinaththam: Village in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Vadaku vandanam: Village in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Kayathar: Tehsil in Tamil Nadu the transmission line covered under the scheme will pass through
Railways: Concerned authority whose consent is to be taken before erection of the proposed line
National Highways: Concerned authority whose consent is to be taken before erection of the proposed line
State Highways: Concerned authority whose consent is to be taken before erection of the proposed line
Civil Aviation: Concerned authority from which requisite clearances has to be taken
Defense: Concerned authority from which requisite clearances has to be taken
रजजस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
xxxGIDHxxx
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-29112022-240635
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CG-DL-E-29112022-240635
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 615] नई ददल्ली, सोमिार, निम्ब र 28, 2022/अग्रहायण 7, 1944
No. 615] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2022/AGRAHAYANA 7, 1944
केंद्रीय जिद्यतु प्राजधकरण
आदेि
नई ददल्ली, 9 निम् बर, 2022
स.ं CEA-PS-13-17(42)/1/2021-PSPM Division-Part(15). जबदक मेससस एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड,
एनटीपीसी भिन, स्ट्कोप कॉम््लेक्स, 7 इंस्ट्टीट्यूिनल एररया, लोधी रोड, नई ददल्ली-110003 ह,ै ने पारेषण योजना
“एट्टापुरम, तूतीकोररन, तजमलनाडु म ें एनटीपीसी के 230 मेगािाट सौर ऊजास संयंत्र की कनेजक्टजिटी रांसजमिन प्रणाली’’
के तहत जबजली की तारें जबछाने के जलए जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अंतगतस प्राजधकृत करने हते ु आिेदन
दकया ह।ै
और जबदक, के.जि.प्रा., जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार न े अपन े पत्र स.ं CEA-PS-12-14(20)/1/2018-
PSPA-II Division dated 05.11.2020 के द्वारा पारेषण योजना “एट्टापुरम, तूतीकोररन, तजमलनाडु में एनटीपीसी के
230 मेगािाट सौर ऊजास संयत्रं की कनेजक्टजिटी रांसजमिन प्रणाली” के अतं गतस आन े िाली जिरोपरर लाइनों के जलए
एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को जिद्युत अजधजनयम की धारा 68(1) के अंतगसत पूिस अनुमोदन प्रदान दकया था।
मेससस एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड ने 11.04.2022, 27.04.2022 and 11.04.2022 (ररजनटी जमरर, दजिण भारत
राष्ट्रमत, मक्कल कुराल-तजमल) के स्ट्थानीय अखबारों तथा भारत का राजपत्र साप्ताजहक ददनांक 04.06.2022 से
10.06.2022 में पारेषण योजना के जलए प्रस्ट्ताजित पारेषण मागस पर प्रकािन की तारीख से 60 ददनों के भीतर आम
जनता की रट्पजणयों / अभ्यािेदन की मांग करत े हुए नोरटस प्रकाजित दकया था । इसके प्ात, मेससस एनटीपीसी
जलजमटेड न े 08.08.2022 ददनांदकत एक हलफनामा प्रस्ट्तुत दकया, जजसमें घोषणा की गई दक समाचार पत्रों / भारत का
7898 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
राजपत्र में उपरोक्त पारेषण योजना के जलए सािसजजनक सूचना के प्रकािन के 60 ददनों के भीतर जनता से कोई आपजि
प्राप्त नहीं की गई ह।ै
और अब आिेदक ने जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अंतगतस पारेषण योजना एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड के
अंतगतस “एट्टापुरम, तूतीकोररन, तजमलनाडु म ें एनटीपीसी के 230 मेगािाट सौर ऊजा स संयत्रं की कनेजक्टजिटी रांसजमिन
प्रणाली” के तहत जिद्युत लाइन जबछाने के जलए उसे ि े सभी िजक्तयां प्रदान करने का अनुरोध दकया है, जो टेलीग्राफ के
प्रयोजन के जलए सरकार द्वारा स्ट्थाजपत टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए या स्ट्थाजपत होन े िाली
टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम, 1885 के अंतगसत टेलीग्राफ
प्राजधकरण के पास ह।ै पारेषण योजना के अंतगसत जनम्नजलजखत जिरोपरर लाईन हैं:
1. एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड (एट्टायापरु म, तूतीकोररन, टीएन में सौर संयंत्र का 230 केिी जस्ट्िचयाडस)-तूतीकोररन-II
(जीआईएस आईएसटीएस एसएस) 230 केिी एस/सी लाइन (उच्च िमता िाल े कंडक्टर के साथ नाममात्र िोल्टेज
पर कम से कम 380 मेगािाट जबजली हस्ट्तांतरण को सिम करता ह)ै
इस योजना के अंतगसत आिररत पारेषण लाइनें तजमलनाडु राज्य के जनम्न ांदकत गा िों, कस्ट्बों और िहरों से होकर, उन पर
स,े उनके आसपास से और बीच से होकर गुज़रेगी।
राज्य: तजमलनाडु
गाि ो का नाम तहसील जजला
नजिलक्कमपट्टी, जचन्नामलाईकुंद्र, एलंबुिनम, कुमारजगरी, एराजच एट्टायपुरम तूतीकोररन
दरु ैयुर कोजिलपट्टी तूतीकोररन
कुरुजिनाथम, िडकु िंदनम कायथार तूतीकोररन
अब, सािधानीपूिसक जिचार करने के प्ात, केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण, जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार, एनटीपीसी
जलजमटेड को उपरोक्त जिरोपरर लाइन को लगान े के जलए ि े सभी िजक्तया ं जनम्नजलजखत जनबंधनों एि ं ितों के साथ प्रदान
करता ह,ै जो टेलीग्राफ के उद्देश्य के जलए सरकार द्वारा स्ट्थाजपत टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए या
स्ट्थाजपत होन े िाली टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम, 1885 के
अंतगतस टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास है-
(i) यह अनुमोदन 25 िषों के जलए प्रदान दकया जाता ह।ै
(ii) आिेदक को प्रस्ट्ताजित लाइन की स्ट्थापना से पूिस संबंजधत प्राजधकाररयों अथासत् स्ट्थानीय जनकायों, रेलि,े राष्ट्रीय
राजमाग,स राज्य राजमागस आदद की सहमजत प्राप्त करनी होगी।
(iii) आिेदक को जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के तहत समुजचत आयोग के द्वारा तैयार दकए गए पारेषण, ओ एंड एम, ओपन
एक्सेस आदद के जिजनयमों/संजहताओं का पालन करना होगा।
(iv) आिेदक केंद्र सरकार के जिद्युत जनरीिक/मुख्य जिद्युत जनरीिक के अनुमोदन के प्ात ही लाइन का प्रचालन करेगा।
(v) यह अनुमोदन आिेदक द्वारा जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के प्रािधानों और उसके तहत बनाए गए जनयमों की अपेिाओं
का अनुपालन दकए जाने के अध्यधीन ह।ै
(vi) एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को जिद्युत जनरीिण के समय जिमानन एिं रिा प्राजधकरणों इत्यादद, से अपेजित अनुमजत को
प्राप्त करन े के बाद, इसे केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण को जिद्युत जनरीिण के समय प्रस्ट्तुत करना होगा।
राकेि गोयल, सजचि, के.जि.प्रा.
[जिज्ञापन-III/4/असा./435/2022-23][भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का राजपत्र : असाधारण 3
Central Electricity Authority
ORDER
New Delhi, the 9th November, 2022
No. CEA-PS-13-17(42)/1/2021-PSPM Division-Part(15). whereas M/s NTPC Limited, the applicant with
its registered office at NTPC Bhawan, Scope Complex, 7 Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 has
applied for authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for laying of dedicated overhead transmission
line under the transmission scheme “Connectivity transmission system of NTPC’s 230 MW solar power plant at
Ettayapuram, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu”
And whereas, CEA, Ministry of Power, Government of India vide its letter no. CEA-PS-12-14(20)/1/2018-
PSPA-II Division dated 05.11.2020 had granted prior approval under section 68(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003 to M/s
NTPC Limited for the overhead lines covered under the transmission scheme “Connectivity transmission system of
NTPC’s 230 MW solar power plant at Ettayapuram, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu”.
M/s NTPC Limited has published notice for transmission scheme in local newspapers dated 11.04.2022,
27.04.2022 and 11.04.2022 (Trinity Mirror, Dakshin Bhart Rashtramat, Makkal Kural-Tamil respectively) and in
Weekly Gazette of India dated 04.06.2022 to 10.06.2022 for the general public to make observations/representations
on the proposed transmission route within 60 days from the date of publication. Subsequently, M/s NTPC Limited has
submitted an affidavit dated 08.08.2022 declaring that no objection has been received from public within 60 days of
publication of Public Notice in newspapers / Gazette of India.
And now the applicant has requested to confer upon him, all the powers under section 164 of the Electricity
Act, 2003, which the telegraph authority possess under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, with respect to the placing of
telegraph lines and posts for the purpose of a telegraph established or maintained by Government or to be so
established or maintained for laying of electric lines under the transmission scheme “Connectivity transmission system
of NTPC’s 230 MW solar power plant at Ettayapuram, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu”. The following overhead line is
covered under this transmission scheme:
1. NTPC Ettayapuram Solar PV project - Tuticorin-II (GIS ISTS substation) 230 kV S/C line (high capacity
conductor enabling at least 380 MW power transfer at nominal voltage)
The transmission line covered under the above scheme will pass through, over, around and between the following
villages, towns, and cities of Tamil Nadu:
State: - Tamil Nadu
Name of villages Tehsil District
Navilakkampatti, Chinnamalaikundru, Elambuvanam, Kumaragiri, Erachi Ettayapuram Tuticorin
Duraiyur Kovilpatti Tuticorin
Kuruvinaththam, Vadaku vandanam Kayathar Tuticorin
Now, after careful consideration, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, Government of India, under section
164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, confers all the powers to M/s NTPC Limited for laying above overhead line, which
telegraph authority possesses under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 with respect to placing of telegraph lines and posts
for the purposes of a telegraph established or maintained, by Government or to be established or maintained subject to
following terms and conditions for installing the above mentioned lines, namely:
(i) The approval is granted for 25 years.
(ii) The Applicant shall have to seek the consent of the concerned authorities i.e., local bodies, Railways, National
Highways, State Highways etc. before erection of the proposed line.
(iii) The Applicant shall have to follow regulations/codes of the Appropriate Commission regarding transmission,
O&M, open access, etc., framed under Electricity Act, 2003.4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
(iv) The Applicant shall operate the line after approval of Electrical Inspector / Chief Electrical Inspector of Central
Government.
(v) The approval is subject to compliance of the requirement of the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 and the
rules made there under by the applicant.
(vi) M/s NTPC Limited shall have to submit the requisite clearances to Central Electricity Authority after obtaining
the same from concerned authorities like Civil Aviation, Defense etc., at the time of Electrical Inspection.
RAKESH GOYAL, Secy., C.E.A.
[ADVT. -III/4/Exty. /435/2022-23]
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.