Record notes of the meeting to ensure compliance of CERC Order on Petition No. 420/MP/2014 Page 1

Records Notes of the Meeting for Compliance of Order of Hon’ble CERC in Petition No. 420/MP/2014 – in respect of LVRT and other provisions of CEA/CERC Regulations held on 05.02.2016

A Meeting for compliance of Order of Hon’ble CERC in respect of Petition No. 420/MP/2014 – regarding LVRT and other provisions of CEA/CERC Regulations was held on 05.02.2016 at SRPC, Bengaluru with participation from SLDCs of AP, Karnataka, Kerala & Telangana, TANGEDCO, NIWE, IWPA, IWTMA, SRLDC & SRPC. List of participants is at Annexure.

Shri. S.R. Bhat, Member Secretary, SRPC welcomed the participants to the meeting. He welcomed Dr. S. Gomathinayagam, Director General, NIWE and his team since their valuable guidance would be required to deliberate on important issues. He stated that as per Hon’ble CERC Order, concerned entities had been entrusted different works. A detailed action plan to ensure compliance was needed to be worked out.

It was agreed that Nodal Officers would be nominated by the State SLDCs, IWTMA, NIWE, SRLDC& SRPC to follow-up the compliance by 12.02.2016. A web group would be formed for exchange of information. The following was deliberated in the Meeting:-

LVRT requirement for WTGs

LVRT should be implemented for all wind turbines (>& = 500 kW) commissioned before 15.4.2014 and connected to voltage level of 66 kV and above except for Stall Type WTGs, which are not technically feasible to be retrofitted with LVRT.

In case of wind turbines of less than 500 kW and installed before 15.04.2014(except stall types), CEA is directed to conduct a study regarding technical feasibility of installation of LVRT in these turbines and submit a report to the Commission within 6 months of issue of this order.

After the issue of necessary regulations/clarification by CEA with regard to the voltage level above which LVRT would be mandatory, the same requirement shall be applicable even in case of WTGs installed prior to 15.4.2014 keeping in view the safety and security of the grid.

It is however clarified that WGTs whose useful life is going to expire in the next 5 years, shall be exempted from installation of LVRT.

It was agreed that the following details would be submitted by end of February 2016:-

Details of Wind turbines >& = 500 kW commissioned before 15.04.2014 connected at 66 KV& above (stall type and others) (Useful life beyond 04.01.2021)

Details of wind Turbines > 500 kW commissioned before 15.04.2014 connected at voltages below 66 kV (kindly specify the voltage 33/22/11/0.4 kV) (stall type and others).

Details of all Wind turbines < 500 kW commissioned before 15.04.2014 connected at all voltage levels.

Details of Wind turbines commissioned on or after 15.4.2014 would also be furnished to ensure that they are meeting Regulatory requirements.

It was noted that population of wind turbines as per models, make & voltage levels would be furnished. Details of LVRT enabled, LVRT design supported and fitted to be enabled, LVRT design supported but to be fitted and LVRT to be retrofitted are to be furnished.

Record notes of the meeting to ensure compliance of CERC Order on Petition No. 420/MP/2014 Page 2

It was noted that some of the Wind turbines were not running. Therefore it was suggested that SLDCs could also categorize the wind generators not paying charges for connectivity as not connected to grid.

SLDC/STU were suggested to call meeting of the Wind Generators in their Control Area

to ensure correct information and subsequently the commissioning and performance was to be monitored.

Details as per Format A & B to be submitted.

LVRT requirement for Solar Generating Stations

The provision of LVRT mandatory for all solar generators connected at the voltage level of 11 kV and above.

Therefore, we direct that the solar generators whose bidding process has not yet commenced i.e. NIT has not yet been issued on date of this order shall take necessary steps to implement LVRT in their generating stations.

TANGEDCO enquired whether this Order was applicable to new solar plants which were coming through feed in tariff.

Other states also stated that as per the CERC Order, CEA had to amend the Regulations. Hence clarity was required in the interim period till amendment of Regulation by CEA.

It was clarified that Hon’ble Commission had clearly stated ‘we direct that the solar generators whose bidding process has not yet commenced i.e. NIT has not yet been issued on date of this order shall take necessary steps to implement LVRT in their generating stations’. SLDC/STU/DISCOMs may approach appropriate Commission for further directions; however the CERC Order needs to be complied.

STU/SLDC were suggested to furnish the details on the action taken on this. The same would be discussed in the next meeting scheduled for March 2016.

Commercial mechanism for offsetting cost of LVRT installation if it is technically viable

We direct that the Stall Type WTGs existing prior to 15.4.2014 shall be allowed to operate in the Grid till their useful life.

SLDCs were requested to furnish the details of such Stall Type WTGs as per the formats.

We request all the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to make suitable provisions in their relevant regulations or through orders to provide for mandatory installation of LVRT in WTGs which fall within their jurisdiction.

STU/SLDC were suggested to approach SERCs to make suitable provisions in their relevant regulations or through orders to provide for mandatory installation of LVRT in WTGs which fall within their jurisdiction.

Action taken on this would be discussed in the next meeting scheduled for March 2016.

We direct all WTGs of capacity equal to or more than 500 KW except 'Stall Type WTGs' to comply with LVRT within two years in terms of our directions in para 29 of this order. Retrofitting WTGs with LVRT feature is a new requirement which did not exist at the time of bidding and may be considered under 'Change in Law'.

STU/SLDC/Wind Developers/IWTMA/IWPAI noted the above for compliance.

State Electricity Regulatory Commissions are requested to consider allowing the cost of retrofitting WTGs with LVRT under the provision of 'Change in Law' in the respective PPAs.

Record notes of the meeting to ensure compliance of CERC Order on Petition No. 420/MP/2014 Page 3

Wind Developers/IWTMA/IWPAI were suggested to estimate the cost implications (make, model wise) for different type of WTGs i.e. LVRT design supported and fitted but to be enabled, LVRT design supported but to be fitted and LVRT to be retrofitted,

Wind Developers/IWTMA/IWPAI stated that the clarity on funding of the cost implications and sharing was required for the LVRT enabling/fitting and retrofitting to take place.

It was clarified that the LVRT requirement was a grid security requirement and the Order was to be complied. Wind Developers/IWTMA/IWPAI were suggested to approach SERCs with the estimate to seek clarity and identify future course of action keeping in view the observation that it could be considered under “Change in Law”.

Action taken on this would be discussed in the meeting scheduled for March 2016.

We direct wind mill owners, which are selling power through open access/banking, to factor the capital expenditure incurred by them for retrofitting WTGs with LVRT feature while quoting price of electricity for sale through open access/banking. In case the estimated cost of installing LVRT is substantially higher as compared to the capital investment in the turbine, RPCs may make a proposal for arrangement of funding from PSDF/NCEF/Green Fund for retrofitting WTGs with LVRT.

Wind Developers/IWTMA/IWPAI were suggested to work out cost estimates for different categories and approach SERC about the funding and sharing. Based on the above, proposal for funding could be put forth .

However, it was clarified that funding should not be linked with the compliance.

In respect of WTGs, which have completed their useful life as on date of this order and those which are likely to complete their useful life in next two years should not be retrofitted with LVRT under PSDF/NCEF and should be taken out of service.

STU/SLDC/ Wind Developers/ IWTMA/IWPAI noted the above for compliance.

With regard to monitoring of the installation and performance of LVRT installed on existing WTGs, we direct SLDCs to prepare quarterly reports and submit it to RPCs. RPCs are directed to validate the reports submitted by SLDCs in consultation with RLDCs and report any deficiency and non-compliance to the Commission in accordance with law.

It was suggested that Self declaration of the LVRT (along-with set points) and other provisions meeting requirement of CEA standards could be accepted with the provision that Certificate of Compliance/Type Test as part of Turbine Test Certification would be furnished by 04.01.2018.

Installation of LVRT would be monitored by SLDCs. During conditions of voltage dip it is to be ascertained whether WTGs are meeting the

requirements of CEA Regulations. To ensure this, it was suggested that PMU may be required at Wind pooling stations and Wind Developers/STU/DISCOMs could take pro-active steps in this regard. Steps taken in this regard or any other method of monitoring the performance would be discussed in the meeting scheduled for March 2016.

Quarterly report to be sent by SLDCs. RPC/RLDC would validate the report and report any deficiency and non-compliance to

the Commission. Wind Developers/IWTMA/IWPAI were requested to revert back on whether the LVRT

operation was logged whenever it operates.

Type Certification should be made part of Turbine Test Certification in case of retrofitting

Record notes of the meeting to ensure compliance of CERC Order on Petition No. 420/MP/2014 Page 4

We are of the view that Type Test Certification for all WTGs as per applicable Standards should be made mandatory.

The modalities for carrying out Type Test Certifications including timeline for completing the process for certification, cost sharing, etc., shall be finalized by the respective RPC in consultation with CEA.

NIWE informed that 53 models are installed presently. 20 manufacturers are available under RLMM (Revised List of Models and Manufacturers). 44 models have confirmed LVRT and harmonic capability based on self certification by the respective Wind Turbine Manufacturers. Three out of 44 models have supported their LVRT and Harmonic capability complying CEA Regulations through Type Test Certification by Type Test Verifying Bodies.

9 models are not complying with LVRT provisions out of which 6 models are stall regulated Wind Turbines.

There are presently 7 Accredited Type Test Certifications Bodies recognized in India. It is leant that presently, requirement as per CEA Regulations is not in the scope of their accreditation. It was also learnt that some of these bodies were in the process of getting CEA requirements in their accreditation and it may be completed in next few months.

It was expressed that more clarity was required on whether for meeting the LVRT and Harmonic requirements of CEA Regulations, field measurements are mandatory.

In case of LVRT retrofitting, Type Test Certification would be required as part of Turbine Test Certification to be certified by the Accredited Body. However, for enabling LVRT and fitting LVRT for WTGs Certificate of Compliance could suffice.

Presently, the status of compliance of LVRT and Harmonic is included based on self certification and is indicated in the revised list of RLMM, as finalized by RLMM Committee, constituted by MNRE.

Self Certification could be accepted with a provision that Certificate of Compliance/ Type Test as part of Turbine Test Certification would be ensured by 04.01.2018 till sufficient accredited labs cover CEA requirement in their accreditation with the . Subsequently (i.e. after 04.01.2018), Type Test could be made mandatory as part of Turbine Test Certification. This would facilitate smooth integration of the targeted renewables and also ensure technical/regulatory requirement are met.

Regarding cost implications of Type Test Certification it was clarified that models being commissioned after 15.04.2014 need to carry out Type Test at their own cost since it was a regulatory requirement. This would validate the existing machines of the same model (same technology), generally as a Industry practice one Type certificate is valid for 5-10 years.

As a general consensus, it was noted that a single Type Test Certificate for a model could be sufficient for 5/10 years as per industry practice.

There were models which were commissioned before 15.04.2014 and whose manufacturing was discontinued before 15.04.2014 in such cases a Certificate of Compliance could be taken for enabling/fitting and the cost for Certificate of Compliance could be recommended for funding through PSDF/NCEF.

The matter was to be taken up with CEA.

Data Acquisition System/ Real Time Data Availability of SCADA system as envisaged in the IEGC

We are of the view that the solar/wind generators are responsible to provide real time data to SLDCs. The State Electricity Regulatory Commissions are requested to make suitable provisions in

Record notes of the meeting to ensure compliance of CERC Order on Petition No. 420/MP/2014 Page 5

their regulations and through orders to ensure that solar/wind generators provide real time data to SLDCs as per the provisions of Grid Code.

SLDCs are directed to ensure availability of data in respect of real time data from their Data Acquisition Systems of solar/wind generators in SCADA systems to respective RLDCs as per the provisions of the Grid Code.

NIWE/IWPA informed that real time and forecasted data was available at their server installed at TNSLDC. Presently only 15 minutes block data was being communicated from Pooling Stations SEMs through AMR (Communication channel GPRS).

NIWE was requested to consider reducing sampling time keeping in view any bandwidth limitation. NIWE assured to look into this issue.

TN informed that their AMR scheme from WTGs was also underway. The exact details and sampling rate would be communicated. A separate REMC division has been created in TANTRANSCO and more focus would be there in respect of issues relating to renewable.

TN was requested to integrate the forecasted and real time data with their SCADA and subsequently communicate it to SRLDC.

TSTRANSCO informed that most of the renewable were getting integrated at 33 kV level and they did not have communication and RTU facility at this level.

It was clarified that it was a mandatory requirement as per IEGC and as per Order above suitable provisions in the State Regulations need to be incorporated by SERC which would ensure compliance of Grid Code. All the SLDCs were requested to approach SERC in this regard.

This provision would be required to be ensured at the time of synchronization. AP SLDC informed that about 80-90 % renewable data was available at SLDC. KAR SLDC that most of the renewable data was available at SLDC. It was noted that initially SCADA data from Pooling Station could be ensured. Steps taken in this regard would be discussed in the meeting scheduled for March 2016.

Renewable Energy generators are required to do proper forecasting and scheduling and demand estimation by SLDCs in compliance with Grid Code

All solar/wind generators to forecast/schedule their power as per applicable regulations.

For intra-State solar/wind generators, we request the State Commissions to issue appropriate regulations/orders to align with the provisions of the Grid Code as quoted in this para.

Entity/SLDC/STU noted the above for compliance. SLDCs were requested to approach SERC to issue appropriate regulations/orders to align

with the provisions of Grid Code.

Study of line loading in STU network and strict N-1 compliance by expediting Works under progress, particularly wind evacuation system

STUs to study line loading in their systems to ensure N-1 compliance and submit reports in this regard to CEA by 10.3.2016. CEA is directed to discuss the same in the next Standing Committee Meeting (SCM)

SRLDC pointed out that system strengthening in lower voltage levels was also required from smooth integration of renewables.

STU were requested to study line loadings and submit report to CEA.

Record notes of the meeting to ensure compliance of CERC Order on Petition No. 420/MP/2014 Page 6

Compliance of the Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Grid Connectivity) (Amendment) Regulations, 2013 by new generating units being commissioned and getting connected to the grid

Therefore, all the wind generating stations are directed to comply with the provisions of CEA Technical Standards for Connectivity Regulations. We further direct CTU and STUs to make provisions in this regard in their Connection Agreements to ensure that wind energy generators comply with the provisions of CEA Technical Standards for Connectivity Regulations for grid connectivity before granting connectivity to the grid.

CTU confirmed that the provisions were already made in their Procedure for Connectivity

STU/SLDC were requested to approach SERC to make provisions in this regard in their Connection Agreements to ensure that wind energy generators comply with the provisions of CEA Technical Standards for Connectivity Regulations for grid connectivity before granting connectivity to the grid.

APTRANSCO stated that procedure for COD declaration for thermal and solar was well established, however for wind generators such procedure was not in place. It was suggested that STU/SLDC could cover this aspect also with SERC.

Implementation of contingency demand disconnection scheme for mitigating impact of sudden loss of wind generation in line with order dated 22.2.2014 in 120/MP/2011

In our view TANTRANSCO has failed to comply with the Commission's direction given in order dated 22.2.2014 in Petition No. 120/MP/2011. Accordingly, we direct SLDC, Tamil Nadu to explain the reasons, on affidavit, by 29.1.2016as to why action under Section 142 of the Act should not be initiated against it for non-compliance with the provisions of the Grid Code and order of the Commission.

TN noted the above

Implementation of LVRT, CEA/CERC Regulations for all WTGs commissioned from 15.04.2014

All the SLDCs were requested to furnish information as per Format B which would ensure that regulatory provisions are met

MS, SRPC thanked that the participants for their valuable inputs. He hoped all that all concerned utilities would take steps and furnish milestones for compliance of CEA/CERC regulations which would also assist in safe and secure grid operation.

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