Towards creation of ideal power system

In India, the problems of power generation are compounded by the transmission network. The installed capacity of power in India is approximately 86000 MW and peak time availability is only about 50000 MW against a restricted peak demand of 70000 MW leaving a gap of 28% between demand and supply. Therefore the current transmission system is finding it difficult to cope with the present level of generation. It is evident from actual figures of the eighth five year plan that the government's allocation to the power sector has reduced. In addition, there are problems of inadequate allocation to other segments of power sector such as transmission and distribution lines to transmit the generated power. High power losses have added to the problem. At present the national average of T&D losses is about 23% compared to around 8% losses in advanced countries. It is the task of power planners to seek all avenues to bring down the losses. System planning on scientific lines is essential for bringing down the losses to an optimum level. This paper deals with the state of inadequate supply of power and factors responsible for this. It also gives recommendations for creation of the ideal power system.