Before the

MAHARASHTRA ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

World Trade Centre, Centre No.1, 13th Floor, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400 005
Tel. 022 22163964/65/69 Fax 22163976
Email: mercindia@merc.gov.in
Website: www.merc.gov.in

Case No. 202 of 2020

Suo Motu Proceeding in the matter of Grid Failure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region
on 12 October 2020 at 10.02 Hrs.

Coram

I.M. Bohari, Member

Mukesh Khullar, Member

Parties to the proceeding

1. Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd.

2. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd.
3. BEST Undertaking
4. Maharashtra State Load Dispatch Centre
5. State Transmission Utility
6. Tata Power Company Ltd.-Generation
7. Tata Power Company Ltd.- Transmission
8. Tata Power Company Ltd.- Distribution
9. Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd.- Generation
10. Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd. -Transmission
11. Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd.-Distribution
12. Indian Railways
13. Mindspace Business Parks Pvt. Ltd.
14. Gigaplex Estate Pvt. Ltd.

Appearance (All Representatives)

1. Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd. …… Shri Sanjay Taksande

2. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. …….Shri Paresh Bhagwat
3. BEST Undertaking …….Shri N.N. Chaugule
4. Maharashtra State Load Dispatch Centre …… Shri S.V. Jaltare
5. State Transmission Utility …….Shri S.V. Jewalikar
6. Tata Power Company Ltd.-Generation
7. Tata Power Company Ltd.- Transmission ……Shri Devanand Pallikuth
8. Tata Power Company Ltd.- Distribution
9. Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd.- Generation ….. Shri Mahesh Bhadoria
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 1 of 24
10. Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd. -Transmission ..…. Shri Dilip Devasthale
11. Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd.-Distribution … . Shri Shrikant Yeole
…… Shri Kapil Sharma
…… Shri Kishor Patil
12. Mindspace Business Parks Pvt. Ltd. and
13. Gigaplex Estate Pvt. Ltd. …….Shri Nitin Chunarkar

ORDER
Dated: 22 October, 2020
1. In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (zp) of sub-section (2) of Section 181 read
along with Section 86 (1) (h) of the Electricity Act, 2003 (EA), the Commission has
notified the MERC (State Grid Code) Regulations, 2020 (Grid Code). These
Regulations lay down the rules, guidelines and standards to be followed by State Entities
and Users of Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) to plan, develop, operate and
maintain InSTS as an integrated part of Western Region Grid System and National Grid,
in the most efficient, reliable and economic manner, while facilitating a healthy
competition in the generation and supply of electricity.
2. Regulation 46.1.1 of the Grid Code specifies the reportable events which are
mandatorily required to be reported by the User/Transmission Licensee or SLDC or STU
as the case may be. These events, inter alia, include events such as Blackout/partial
system blackout, System islanding/system split, Grid indiscipline, Loss of major
generating unit, Protection failure on any element of InSTS, Power system instability.
Tripping of any element of the State Grid etc.
3. Further, as per Regulation 46.2.4 of the Grid Code, events affecting the generation
capacity and/or load of more than 1000 MW needs to be reported immediately in writing
within 24 hours from the occurrence to the Commission by MSLDC or Transmission
Licensee or User, as the case may be. The report needs to include brief details of the
event, extent and probable causes of the event.
4. A partial grid disturbance occurred in Mumbai system on 12 October 2020 at 10.02 Hrs
leading to multiple tripping of 400 kV EHV lines and Generating units which affected
the supply to a large part of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
5. Maharashtra State Load Dispatch Centre (MSLDC) vide its letter dated 13 October
2020, has submitted the preliminary report of the above partial grid disturbance and
stated that a loss of 3508 MW load and a loss of 1375 MW generation occurred due to
partial grid disturbance in MMR occurred on 12 October 2020 at 10.02 Hrs. Also, the
preliminary reports were filed by Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd. (AEML) and Tata
Power Company Ltd. (TPC) on 14 October 2020 intimating the event information and
power supply position in their respective areas.
6. Vide its letter dated 14 October 2020, the Commission directed MSETCL to submit the
following information:
i. System conditions prior to the occurrence (pre-fault).
ii. Details of outage management on the infrastructure affected.

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 2 of 24

 iii. Brief description of the occurrence, sequence of events and the areas affected
thereof.
iv. Status of the Islanding facility and the reasons for its failure.
v. Generation loss and units tripped during Occurrence.
vi. Restoration of normalcy and the chronological steps taken.
vii. Preliminary analysis of this grid failure.
7. The occurrence severely affected the power supply to a large section of population of
MMR. Hence, occurrence was required to be taken cognizance of for ascertaining
actions pertaining to dereliction of actions, if any, in operation and maintenance of
lines, system security, failure of protection and to achieve intended islanding of critical
load-generation balance for areas. Further, the Regulation 32 of the MERC (Conduct of
Business) Regulations, 2004 provides that
“The Commission may initiate any proceedings suo motu, or on a Petition filed by
any affected or interested person.”

8. Accordingly, the Commission deemed it appropriate to initiate a suo motu proceeding to

find the primary reasons for the partial grid failure, response and performance of
Licensees/Generators and for identifying preventive measure and issued Notice dated 17
October 2020 asking MSLDC to submit the detailed report of the partial grid failure of
MMR by 19 October 2020. Also, other impleaded Respondents (such as the Generating
Companies, Transmission and Distribution Licensees operating in MMR) were asked to
file their submission on MSLDC’s Report by 20 October 2020. The Commission’s
Notice stipulated that all the details including (but not limited to) the following
aspects/matters shall be discussed at the hearing on 21 October 2020:
a. What are the reasons of the occurrence in MMR on 12 October, 2020 at 10.02 hrs?
b. Whether standard Protocol was followed to restore the grid? Reasons for non-
restoration of grid immediately.
c. The actions expected from all the stake holders (Generation, Transmission and
Distribution) and their individual performance/actions. Response of all the stake
holders.
d. Details of load met and extent of load shedding on an hourly basis from the start of
the problem and restoration of the normalcy.
e. Details of the protections provided and their performance on the day of grid
disturbance (Generators and Lines) and its adequacy.
f. Details of the past Grid Disturbances failure of power in parts of MMR (2010
onwards) in the past and status of Action required to be taken by STU/SLDC to
avoid recurrence.
g. Did the Mumbai Islanding operate as is envisaged? Status of Mumbai Islanding and
its relevance in the changed scenario.
h. Details of the margins available in the Mumbai Transmission and corrective action
taken by STU.
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 3 of 24
 i. Current status of the schemes proposed for strengthening of the Mumbai
Transmission by STU.
j. Action plan for Preventing re-occurrence of such events in MMR.
k. Follow up action on the Order issued by the Commission 1 December,2010 in Case
No. 84 of 2010.
l. What protocol was followed by the Distribution Licensees while restoring the loads?
(Priority of restoration).
9. In response, submissions were filed by MSLDC, TPC, AEML, Maharashtra State
Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL), State Transmission Utility (STU),
Mindspace Business Parks Pvt. Ltd (MBPPL) and Gigaplex Estate Pvt. Ltd. (GEPL).
10. MSLDC, in its Reports dated 13 October and 17 October 2020 submitted the
following:
10.1 System Conditions prior to Occurrence (pre-fault):
i. Maharashtra State demand: 17664 MW
ii. Mumbai demand: 2590 MW
iii. Mumbai Generation:
Sr. No. Description Capacity (MW) Actual Generation (MW)
1 TPC-G Unit – 5 500 454
2 TPC-G Unit – 7A & 7B 180 182
3 AEML-G Dahanu Units 2X250 485
4 TPC-G Hydro 447 228
Total 1627 1349
iv. TPC-G Unit-8 (250 MW) was issued Zero schedule by TPC-D and BEST since
16:55 hrs dated 11 April 2020 and was planned to be brought on bar by 14:00 Hrs
of 12 October 2020. Bhira Pumped Storage Unit (BPSU) of TPC-G (150 MW)
tripped on 12 October 2020 at 09:45 hrs due to Butterfly Valve (BFV) open
feedback fail.
v. Mumbai demand:
Sr No. Description Demand
1 TPCL
1633
2 BEST
3 AEML 957
Total 2590
vi. There was a net exchange of 1241MW power through interconnected lines.
vii. 400 kV Talegaon (PG) – Kalwa Single Circuit (S/C) line was under break down
from 10 October 2020 @ 13:47 Hrs due to the conductor snapping at Location No.
33 & 34.
viii. 400 kV Padghe–Kalwa Ckt. I tripped on over-voltage on 12 October 2020 @
04:33 Hrs. An emergency outage was availed on this Line at 06:53 hrs for
replacing de-capped insulator string at the location No.1044 occurred during the
fault on B phase to Earth fault on 10 October 2020.
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 4 of 24
 ix. The status of the 400 kV lines connected to 400kV Kalwa and Kharghar
Substations and the load flow prior to the incident on the 400kV circuits was as
below:

400 kV Padghe
400 kV Under emergency Outage from 06:53
Hrs after tripping on OV at 04:33 Hrs
Kalwa Ckt . I on 12.10.2020

Ckt. II 644 MW Under Break down – Since

10.10.2020@13:47Hrs

379 MW 719 MW
400 kV Kharghar 400 kV T’gaon (PG)

x. Power flow was towards 400 kV Kalwa and Kharghar Substations.

xi. The Substation loading prior to the Grid Disturbance was 1029 MW at 400 kV
Kalwa Substation and 358 MW at 400 kV Kharghar substation.
10.2 Details of Outage Management on the infrastructure affected:
i. In view of breakdown of the 400 kV Talegaon (PG) – Kalwa S/C Line, MSLDC
had directed TPC-G on 10 October, 2020 to bring on bar Unit 8 (250 MW) which
had been withdrawn under ‘Zero Schedule’. TPC-G, vide email dated 10 October
2020 at 16.21 Hrs confirmed that the activities to bring on Unit 8 have been
initiated and Unit shall be synchronised by 14:00 Hrs on 12 October 2020. Further,
MSLDC at 09:30 Hrs on 11 October 2020, through e-mail, directed TPC-G and
AEML-G to maximise their respective generations in view of non-availability of
400kV Talegaon(PG)- Kalwa line.
ii. 400 kV Padghe- Kalwa Ckt. I Line was tripped due to over-voltage on 12 October
2020 @ 04:33 Hrs. Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd.
(MSETCL) field office availed opportunity outage on this circuit for replacement
of de-capped insulator string at the location No.1044 occurred during the fault on
B phase to Earth fault on 10 October 2020. Outage feasibility was confirmed as the
Mumbai demand was in the range of 1842 MW, Mumbai generation availability
was 1627 MW at the time of outage and the duration of completion of outage was
till 09:00 AM. Hence, based on approval from WRLDC, emergency outage was
issued for carrying out said replacement works.
10.3 Brief description of Occurrence, sequence of events and areas affected:
i. 400 kV Padghe -Kalwa Ckt -I Line and 400 kV Talegaon (PG) -Kalwa Lines were
under outage.
ii. At 9.58 Hrs on 12 October 2020, 400 kV Padghe -Kalwa Ckt.II line tripped due to
snapping of R-Phase conductor thereby shifting of the complete load of Kharghar
SS and Kalwa SS to 400 kV Talegaon (PG) -Kharghar (SC) Line. This resulted in
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 5 of 24
 a load flow of 1387 MW on 400 kV Talegaon (PG) -Kharghar S/C and 1000 MW
on 400 kV Kharghar-Kalwa S/C line .
iii. The load trimming scheme (LTS) installed on this line with a setting of 1300
Amp, 3 sec delay operated with a load relief of 18 MW.
iv. The high loading on 400kV Talegaon (PG) -Kharghar S/C line resulted in sparking
on its Y-phase and Y-phase CT clamp on 400 kV Kharghar-Kalwa Substation at
400 kV Khargar end. Hence, 400 kV Talegaon (PG) -Kharghar line was hand
tripped in emergency by the Substation operator at Kharghar end at 10.02 hrs.
Thus, the non-availability of 400 kV source lines resulted in complete failure of
supply to the 400 kV buses of 400 kV Kalwa and Khargar Substations.
v. 220 kV Kharghar and Kalwa Substations are connected to 220 kV Trombay
Substation of MSETCL and Mumbai network. 400 kV source was not available to
Kalwa and Kharghar Substations, but 220 kV network area connected was intact.
This condition initiated Auto-closing of 220 kV Interconnector between 220 kV
Kalwa -1 Substation and 400/220 kV Kalwa Substation.
vi. 220 kV Padghe -Temghar 1 & 2 at 400 /220kV Padghe Substation tripped on
overloading. 220 kV Boisar- Boisar (PG) Ckt.-3 overloaded and LTS operated at
Boisar (Local Load and 220 kV Boisar-Borivali line).
vii. Further , the grid frequency dropped to Under Frequency Relay (UFR) setting of
47.9 Hz with reverse power from MMR to MSETCL network , thereby fulfilling
all the conditions of Mumbai islanding and resulted in opening of all MSETCL-
MMR inter-connections that initiated the operation of Mumbai Islanding scheme.
viii. With the operation of Mumbai islanding scheme, total load relief obtained was 600
MW from TPC-D and BEST network while 500 MW in AEML-D network. The
isolated Mumbai network demand dropped to 1490 MW. Further drop in
frequency to 46.8 Hz due to load-generation imbalance in MMR area resulted in
separation of TPC and AEML network.
ix. The load-generation imbalance persisted in TPC network (Demand: 1033 MW,
Generation: 864 MW). With large dip in frequency in the isolated TPC network,
Trombay Unit 5 and Unit 7 tripped on under frequency resulting into total black
out in TPC-D and BEST network. Also, during the incident, TPC-G Hydro units at
Khopoli, Bhivpuri and Bhira Generating Stations also tripped.
x. AEML-T network got islanded from TPC-T network and 250x2 AEML-G Units
continued to supply critical load of @ 385 MW in Mumbai in islanded mode of
operation.
10.4 Load Loss:
Sr. No. Name of the Substation/Area Load loss (MW)
1 Mumbai region 2205
2 220kV Kalwa 237
3 220kV Apta and 220kV Taloja 184
4 220kV Temghar 126
5 220kV Boisar 207
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 6 of 24
 6 220kV Mulund 87
7 220kV Bhandup 63
8 220kV Colorchem 125
9 220kV Nerul 80
10 220kV Sonkhar 58
11 220kV TFPIL-Siemens-RCP 30
11 220kV Mahape 106
Total MW 3508

10.5 Status of Islanding facility and the reasons for its failure:
i. Though the islanding scheme operated as envisaged, it was partially successful.
The Mumbai network got separated from MSETCL network but TPC island was
unable to sustain due to continuous drop in frequency and tripping of its generators
(500 MW Unit 5 and 180 MW Unit 7) while AEML-T island was able to sustain
with its generators (2 x 250 MW DTPS) and critical load.
10.6 Generation loss and units tripped during occurrence:
Sr. No. Generation Unit Generation loss (MW)
1 TPC-G Unit 5 454
2 TPC-G Unit – 7A and 7B 180
3 DTPS 242
4 TPC-G Khopoli Hydro 08
5 TPC-G Bhivpuri 70
6 TPC-G Bhira Hydro 120
7 Uran 271
Total 1375

10.7 Restoration of normalcy and chronological steps taken:

i. 400 kV Talegaon (PG)-Kharghar line was restored through Transfer Bus Coupler
(TBC) Bay at Kharghar at 10:27 Hrs and supply to Trombay bus was restored at
10:56 Hrs through 220 kV Kharghar – Nerul - Trombay line.
ii. 400 kV Padghe – Kalwa Ckt. I line restored at 10:41 Hrs.
iii. Black start facilities at Khopoli and Bhivpuri Hydro generating stations of TPC-G
were initiated however units at Khopoli tripped on under excitation while charging
of 110 KV Khopoli- Karanjade line and at Bhivpuri on operation of ESD of sets
(Emergency Shutdown) at 10:41 Hrs. Due to this, there was considerable delay in
bringing these units on bar and were finally brought on bar at 13:33 Hrs.
iv. At 10:55 Hrs, supply from MSETCL Kalwa Substation was extended to Salsette
Substation. Further, 220 KV Trombay–Salsette ckt. I line was charged and taken in
service. 220 kV Trombay–Carnac lines were charged and load restoration in South
Mumbai area was started subsequently. On priority, critical loads viz Railways,
Hospitals, Airport were restored.

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 7 of 24

 v. At 11:11 Hrs, AEML-T Network was synchronized with MSETCL Network
through 220 kV Versova-Boisar (MSETCL) Line. During synchronization, AEML
Unit 2 tripped on Reverse Power Protection which was taken in service at 13: 06
Hrs.
vi. TPC-G Unit 7A (120 MW) was brought on bar at 12:59 Hrs.
vii. TPC-G Khopoli (72 MW), Bhivpuri (72 MW) and Bhira (150 MW) units were
synchronized at 13:33 Hrs. Bhira Pumped Storage Unit (BPSU) (150 MW) was
synchronized at 14:24 Hrs.
viii. 400 kV Padghe–Kalwa Ckt. II and 400 kV Kharghar–Kalwa S/C were taken in
service at 18:48 Hrs & 18:59 Hrs respectively.
ix. TPC-G Unit 8 (250MW) was synchronized at 21:36 Hrs. TPC-G Unit 5 (500 MW)
was synchronized at 22:28 Hrs. TPC-G U 5 and U 8 took considerable time to
come on bar inspite of continuous instructions from MSLDC although the power
supply to TPC-G’s Trombay bus was extended at 10:56 Hrs.
x. The total load in the Thane, Navi Mumbai and Raigad region was restored by
01:00 Hrs of 13 October 2020.
xi. The remaining load to the tune of 400 MW in Malad, Versova, Chembur, Vikhroli,
Ghatkopar of the AEML loading through TPC network was also restored by 01:00
Hrs of 13 October 2020.
xii. In view of the limitation of loading on 400 kV Talegaon(PG)–Kharghar S/C line,
due to non-availability of TPC-G Unit 5 and 8, loads were directed to be shed on
rotation basis in MMR region till the restoration of complete generation of TPC-G
at 01:00 Hrs of 13 October 2020.
10.8 Preliminary analysis of the Grid failure:
i. Tripping of 400 kV Padghe–Kalwa Ckt. II and subsequent hand tripping of 400 kV
Talegaon (PG) – Kharghar S/C resulted in the complete failure of power supply to
400kV Kalwa and Kharghar Substations. Non-availability of 400 kV sources
resulted in shifting of the complete load of 220 kV network on other sources viz
Padghe, Uran, Boisar, Koyna circuits and Mumbai generators. Tripping of other
sources on overload, subsequent fall in grid frequency and reverse power flow from
MMR to MSETCL network initiated the operation of Mumbai Islanding scheme
and separation of Mumbai network.
ii. AEML-T network got islanded from TPC-T network and 2x250 AEML-G Units
continued to supply critical load of @ 385 MW in Mumbai in islanded mode of
operation. Load-generation imbalance persisted in TPC network (Demand: 1033
MW, Generation: 864 MW). Hence, there was a large dip in frequency in the
isolated TPC network, resulting in under frequency tripping of TPC-G Unit 5 and
Unit 7 . Thus, there was total black out in TPC and BEST network.
iii. This is a preliminary analysis based on the available data. Detailed analysis based
on data loggers and event logs is underway and further conclusion shall be drawn
on its basis and same will be submitted to the Commission.

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 8 of 24

11. Vide its submission dated 14 October and 20 October 2020, AEML stated as under:
11.1 During the partial grid failure, AEML-T’s transmission system successfully islanded
from MSETCL and TPC-T system and continued to feed around 400 MW load to
essential installations. AEML-D’s load of around 500 MW was affected because of the
interruptions/grid disturbance.
11.2 AEML has followed standard protocol as per directives of MSLDC while restoring the
grid. Further, supply restoration process was carried out under MSLDC’s instructions
received from time to time. AEML-T Network restoration with grid commenced with
synchronization of 220 kV Versova-Boisar (MSETCL) Line at 11:11 Hrs. on 12 October
2020. Restoration with TPC network was completed through TPC Versova - AEML
Versova at 01:58 Hrs on 13 October 2020 and with MSETCL through MSETCL
Borivali-AEML Aarey at 17:29 Hrs on 13 October 2020.
11.3 AEML-G’s Dahanu Thermal Power Station (DTPS) responded to load variations during
the incident and operated in islanded mode successfully as per the present islanding
scheme. Also, AEML-T’s Transmission System operated in islanded mode till the
restoration of connectivity to Grid.
11.4 The summary of hourly load restoration after charging of 33/22kV Lines from AEML-T
and TPC -T in coordination with SLDC is given in the table below:
Time Load met in MW Load Shed in MW
10:00 1375 0
11:00 470 905
12:00 490 885
13:00 733 642
14:00 1101 274
15:00 1199 176
16:00 1177 198
17:00 1148 227
18:00 1181 194
19:00 1348 27
20:00 1385 0
11.5 Adequate protection has been provided to the Generators as well as Transmission
Lines. Also, these protections system worked satisfactory during the partial grid
disturbance.
11.6 AEML’s generation and supplied around 340 MW to 390 MW of critical/essential
loads when no other generation/power source was available due to the said Grid
disturbance.
11.7 AEML also submitted the status of various ongoing schemes.
11.8 AEML in its submission referred the past grid instances which are summarised as
under :
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 9 of 24
 Sr. Capacity
Date Event Details
No. Affected
1 13-Jun-10 ICT Tripping at TPC Dharavi Substation 60 MVA
2 Multiple Transmission Line Tripping resulted in
18-Nov-10 1600 MVA
Tripping of ADTPS Unit 1 and 2 (Partial Islanding)
3 21-Nov-10 Multiple Transmission Lines Tripping at TPC Dharavi 480 MVA
Load Trimming Scheme (LTS) at TPC Dharavi
29-Sep-11 operated due to overloading of 110 kV Trombay 310 MVA
4 Dharavi Line
5 02-Jul-12 Multiple Line Tripping at TPC Trombay and Dharavi 140 MVA
6 27-Apr-13 110 kV DC TPC Salsette - Saki Line Tripped 100 MVA
7 Simultaneous Tripping of 110 kV TPC Salsette to TPC
12-Jul-13 120 MVA
Vikhroli and TPC Dharavi to TPC Vikhroli Lines
8 Load Shedding done to Limit Loading on 220 kV
20-Sep-13 MSETCL Kalwa-Borivali Lines due to tripping of 220 193 MVA
kV TPC Salsette-Borivali Line 1 & 2
9 Load Shedding done to Limit Loading on multiple lines
02-Sep-14 250 MW
due to TPC U 5 Tripping (U-8 Under Outage)
10 Load Shedding carried out due to Bus Fault at 400 kV
08-May-15 395 MVA
MSETCL Kalwa Substation
11 Interruption due to 220 kV MSETCL Tarapur- M
13-Jul-15 505 MVA
Borivli Line Tripping.
12 110 kV TPC Khopoli-Lodhivali and 110 kV TPC
22-Feb-16 90 MVA
Trombay-Chembur Line-3 tripped
13 220 kV Kalwa-Salsette Line-3 and 4 tripped
28-Jun-16 300 MVA.
simultaneously due to Tower Collapse
14 Activation of LTS at TPC Saki, TPC Borivali & TPC
12-Jan-17 Vikhroli due to simultaneous tripping of 220 kV 430 MVA
Kalwa-Salsette Line-3, 4 & 6.
15 Activation of Under-LTS at TPC Saki, TPC Borivali &
12-Mar-17 TPC Vikhroli due to overloading of 220 kV Kalwa- 430 MVA
Salsette Line-3, 4 & 6.
16 Bus Fault at Padghe resulted in overloading of 220 kV
Ghodbunder - Gorai Line, backing down of ADTPS Near miss
09-Dec-17
withdrawn to limit the loading on 220 kV Boisar - incident
Boisar Line
17 110 kV Circuit Breaker failure followed by cascaded
12-Jun-18 140 MVA
tripping of ICT's

12. Vide its submission dated 14 October and 20 October 2020, TPC reiterated the
events as submitted by MSLDC and stated as under:
12.1 During partial grid failure, when the grid frequency dropped to 47.9 Hz with reverse
power from MMR to MSETCL network, Mumbai Islanding Scheme operated and
isolated MSETCL network from Mumbai Transmission Network. As a part of the
islanding operations, load shedding took place at 10:05 Hrs.
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 10 of 24
12.2 TPC has carried out the restoration activities as per the Black Start Guidelines of
Western Regional Load dispatch Centre (WRLDC) in consultation with MSLDC .
12.3 TPC-T system elements including protection system worked as per the set process
during the Occurrence and Restoration of Grid.
12.4 In view of 8.5 kM of overhead section converted to EHV cables between Karanjade and
Waghivali on 220 KV Bhira-Dharavi 7 & 8, 110 KV Khopoli-Chembur and 110 KV
Khopoli-Bhokarpada-Mankhurd lines, installation of reactors at Karanjade should be
approved on priority by STU and the Commission to restrict over voltages.
13. Vide its submission dated 20 October 2020, MSEDCL stated as under:
13.1 MSEDCL’s demand and availability in MW at 10:00 hrs and 11:00 hrs i.e before and
after the grid disturbance on 12.10.2020 was as under:
Particulars At 10:00 hrs At 11:00 hrs
Demand (MW) 16132 14015

Availability (MW) 16742 17009

13.2 MSEDCL has load of about 2025 MW prior to incidence on EHV Substation whose
power supply affected. The grid failure resulted in load loss of MSEDCL load about
1925 MW. The details of the affected load and consumer of MSEDCL is as under:

Demand at Load
Affected
Name of 10:00 hrs on affected
Sr. Area consumers
Circle 12.10.20
No. (Lakhs) (MW)
(MW)
1 Thane Thane Municipal Corporation area,
urban S&T ward area of MCGM (Mulund & 7.7 414 349
Circle Bhandup)
2 Vashi Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation
Circle area, Panvel Municipal Corporation
Area, Uran Tehsil of Raigad District. 8.81 1056 1056

3 Pen circle Raigad District except Uran Tehsil &

2.45 178 178
Panvel urban region.
4 Palghar Palghar District & Vasai
2.11 216.7 181.4
Circle
5 Kalyan Part of Kalyan& nearby area
0.812
Circle 1& 2
160 160
6 Torrent Bhiwandi
1.49
Power (DF)
Total 23.37 2024.7 1924.4

13.3 MSEDCL has restored the supply step by step in consultation with SLDC and MSETCL.
14. Vide its submission dated 20 October 2020, BEST stated as under:

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 11 of 24

14.1 Due to nationwide lockdown from 23 March 2020 arising out of Covid pandemic,
BEST’s demand was substantially reduced. In order to achieve demand-supply balance
and to optimize the overall power purchase cost, BEST and TPC-D issued Zero schedule
to TPC-G’s Unit-8 after considering prevalent network reliability factors. After receipt
of concurrence from MSLDC, TPC-G had kept this Unit under Zero schedule from 11
April 2020.
14.2 Prior to grid failure incident of 12 October 2020, BEST’s demand was around 584 MW
at 10:00 hrs and actual availability of supply was matching with demand.
14.3 Subsequent to grid failure event, TPC communicated that during incident of grid failure,
Under Frequency Relay (UFR) got activated on total 73 Nos. of BEST’s 22/33 KV
feeders at T-D interface with shedding demand of around 247 MW.
14.4 The restoration of supply was carried out step by step in consultation with MSLDC and
TPC. The supply of the major installations such as Hospitals, Covid Centers, Pumping
Stations, Mantralaya, Government /Police/MCGM establishments, etc. was restored on
first priority.
14.5 The gradual pick up of BEST’s demand after restoration process at 11:56 Hrs on 12
October 2020 is as under:
Time 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00
Demand 50 340 451 533 561 596 624
in MW
14.6 In addition to the above, at following major hospitals and Covid centers, where there
was no backup generator, BEST’s DG sets were deployed during period of grid failure:
1. Sion Hospital – 500 KVA
2. Nair Hospital – 250 KVA
3. St. George Hospital – 250 KVA
4. Castrol Covid Center – 250 KVA
14.7 Delayed restoration of power supply in Mumbai has caused immense hardship to
BEST’s consumers in the critical Covid pandemic scenario. The prolonged power failure
could have been avoided, had Mumbai system survived from outside grid disturbance
after operationalization of Mumbai Islanding scheme and if TPC was able to bring its
hydro/ thermal generation into service without delay. Hence, further review of Mumbai
Islanding scheme considering load/generation balance is necessary.
14.8 Mumbai Generating Companies, Transmission Licensees and MSLDC were aware of
critical situation arising due to failure of 400 kV lines in the early morning of 12
October, 2020. Accordingly, a contingency plan should have been initiated to avoid any
further grid disturbance.
14.9 Strengthening of Mumbai Transmission is essential to remove the congestion in Mumbai
Transmission System. Also, timely execution of the Transmission scheme is necessary.
14.10 Transmission constraints in Mumbai tie-lines compel Mumbai Distribution Licensees to
purchase costly power from embedded generators rather than availing option of cheaper
power sources from outside. Considering targeted quantum of RPO in ensuing period, in
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 12 of 24
 addition to conventional contractual power, more RE power is anticipated to flow from
outside. It is therefore, necessary to expeditiously strengthen MMR Transmission
System taking into consideration short/long term perspective to avoid reoccurrence of
such grid failure and to ensure free flow of power in the network.
15. Vide its submission dated 20 October 2020, Gigaplex Estate Private Limited
(GEPL) stated as under:
15.1 22 kV Raheja incomer feeder emanating from MSETCL Substation and supplying
power to GEPL tripped at 10:06 Hrs on 12 October, 2020 and entire load (2.69 MW) of
GEPL auto shifted from grid to DG sets. GEPL SEZ continued to operate as an Island
mode through DG set till restoration of incomer feeder for about 2 Hrs and 32 Minutes.
15.2 At 12:05 Hrs. 22 kV Raheja feeder (Incomer feeder to GEPL) was restored by 220 kV
MSETCL, AKP Substation.
16. Vide its submission dated 20 October 2020, Mindspace Business Parks Pvt. Ltd.
(MBPPL) stated as under:
16.1 On 12 October, 2020, all four 22 kV incomers sourcing power to Serene Electricity
Distribution Licensee Div. of MBPPL were tripped at 10:06 Hrs. and entire load of 6.42
MW auto shifted from grid to DG sets. MBPPL SEZ continued to operate in an Island
mode for 10 Hrs. and 42 Minutes till restoration of incomer feeders.
17. Vide its submission dated 20 October 2020, STU stated as under:
17.1 MSLDC submission shows that (N-1) condition was prevailing prior to occurrence since
10 October 2020. Even with (N-2) condition arising with overvoltage tripping of 400 kV
Kalwa – Padghe circuit-I on 12 October 2020, the system was stable. The loss of two
more 400 kV lines (i.e. 400 kV Kalwa – Padghe Ckt.-II and Talegaon(PG)- Khargar)
created (N-4) operating condition and resulted into operation of Mumbai Islanding
Scheme which was only partially successful.
17.2 On 18 and 21 November 2010, partial grid disturbance took place in Mumbai region
affecting 425 MW affecting a large part of Mumbai. Due to this major disturbance, an
Enquiry Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. S.A. Khaparde, Professor, IIT
Bombay was constituted by the Commission to analyse the disturbances and to identify
remedies so that such instances may not recur in future.
17.3 The final report on Partial Grid Disturbance in Mumbai System was submitted by
Dr. Prof. S.A Khaparde of IIT, Bombay. The suggestions of the Khaparde Committee in
its final report and its compliance is summarised as under:
17.4 Short Term Plan:

Status of Plan /Activity

Sr.
Details of work
No. AEML
TPC MSETCL
(RInfra)
Current Carrying capacity of all
the 220 kV Transmission lines in Completed.
1 Completed Completed
Mumbai need to be calculated and
made available to the system
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 13 of 24
 Status of Plan /Activity
Sr.
Details of work
No. AEML
TPC MSETCL
(RInfra)
operators for ready reference.

There are two settings for

overload condition. One is for
alarm and other for tripping. All
Utilities to check relay Completed
2 Completed Completed
configurations for these two
conditions to avoid line tripping
on overload alarm setting instead
of overload tripping setting.
Shifting of the Aarey Load to
Completed
3 TPC Substation can be explored Completed N.A.
to relieve Aarey-Borivali lines.
High reliability Special Protection
Scheme for automatic load
Completed.
4 shedding in case of network Completed Completed
overloading or tripping must be
commissioned.
Interconnection of 220 kV Salsette-
Sahar and Sahar-Saki is already
established in 2014.
WIP for following lines which is
expected to be completed by FY22
1. Installation of 220 kV Trombay-
Saki SC line in progress (3
220 kV double circuit connection
tower pending 2 in hutments, 1
between Trombay and Saki as it
with Metro 4)
5 helps in relieving critical loading - N.A.
2. Installation of 220 kV Trombay-
during peak before network
Salsette SC line in progress (3
augmentation takes place.
tower pending 2 in hutments, 1
with Metro 4)
3. Thus, Saki RS will have one 220
kV source from Trombay. The
other 220kV source for Saki RS
will be from Trombay via
Salsette RS-Sahar RS.
Auto-closure for hybrid lines
considering dynamic line rating Auto-closure for hybrid lines is
6 keeping in view the implemented on selected line Completed N.A.
environmental conditions and age wherever feasible.
of line may be implemented.
Review of protection setting at all
interconnecting points between
TPC, RInfra, MSETCL and
Completed.
7 Transmission and Distribution Completed Completed
interconnection.
Review of existing protection
schemes.
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 14 of 24
 Status of Plan /Activity
Sr.
Details of work
No. AEML
TPC MSETCL
(RInfra)
Relay configuration checks on
regular intervals.
Reconfiguration of Alert and Trip Grid lines
8 mode of relays on account of Action Completed. Completed setting
overload carried out
1. It is not feasible for 110 kV
lines because these lines are
controlled by gang operated
breakers.
2. For 220 kV lines, single phase
Single phase auto reclosing
auto-closure is not implemented
scheme to be implemented for all
due to cable section and
overhead lines including 220 kV
9 involvement of Generating Completed Completed
lines in Mumbai.
stations. However, 3 ph auto-
Auto reclosing of Hybrid
reclosing is implemented for
(O/H+U/G) lines
selected lines.
3. The AR is not provided to lines
emanating from Trombay
thermal generating station for
hybrid lines.
Comparison of effect of auto
Effect of auto reclosing on
reclosing on Turbine-Generator
10 Turbine-Generator shaft to be N.A. N.A.
shaft is being perused with other
studied
utilities having similar set up.
Review of Mumbai Islanding Action completed. Settings advised
scheme and UFR and df/dt load by WRPC are implemented.
11 Completed N.A.
shedding settings in view of Further study is in progress at
increasing demand. WRPC.
Completed
The under frequency and over
The under frequency and over
frequency settings of generators to
frequency settings are checked and
be checked to ensure that
12 adapted as per OEM N.A. N.A.
conservative setting leading to
Recommendation. These settings
unit tripping does not jeopardize
will not jeopardize the islanding.
the island.
In-feed lines and substation
equipments at MSETCL Borivali
substation should be upgraded by
13 N.A. N.A. Completed
MSETCL to handle higher
loading of 220 KV Borivali-
Borivali line.
Enhancing/modifying existing
load trimming schemes to avoid
14 Completed Completed Completed
tripping of healthy line during
contingencies

17.5 Long term measures suggested by Khaparde Committee and action taken are as under:
i. Augmentation in Mumbai generation explicitly or implicitly:
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 15 of 24
 - No Generation is proposed.

ii. 400 KV network connectivity and HVDC interconnection to fill up the gap of implicit
generation addition:
1000 MW HVDC terminal stations at Kudus and Aarey and HVDC cable link lines
between Kudus and Aarey is included in the STU Five Year Plan FY 2019-20 to FY
2024-25 with note as below,
“Two HVDC schemes were part of STU plan 2018-19 to 2023-24 with a note
that consolidated detail study will be carried out considering all Mumbai
related schemes separately. Subsequent STU study indicated that with inclusion
of 400 kV Velgaon, 400 kV Kalwa Switching, 400 kV Kalwa-Padghe M/C line
etc., these HVDC schemes will not be required. However in view of earlier
CEA study in this regard and as HVAC schemes were not referred to CEA, the
STU study including these HVAC schemes has been now referred to CEA for
their comments. Hence 1000 MW Kudus-Aarey HVDC link is included in the
year 2024-25 of this STU five year plan (2019-20 to 2024-25) is subject to
averse comments if any by CEA in the matter may lead to deletion of the
scheme from STU five year plan.”.
The following 400 kV Substations are in STU Five Year Plan:
(1) 400 KV Vikhroli
(2) 400 kV Kalwa-II (Bus Split)
(3) 400 kV Velgaon
Also, 400 kV Navi Mumbai awarded to M/s. Sterlite under Tariff Based Competitive
Bidding (TBCB).
iii. 400 KV Vikhroli and 400 kV Ghodbunder to be taken up immediately:
400 kV Vikhroli is taken up under TBCB and the SPV, Kharghar-Vikhroli
Transmission Pvt. Ltd. (KVTPL) is transferred to Adani Transmission Limited (ATL).
KVTPL has filed Petition for grant of Transmission Licence before the Commission
and 400 kV Vikhroli Substation is targeted for completion in March 2022. 400 kV
Ghodbunder is dropped from earlier STU Plan due to land issue.
iv. Possibility of additional interconnection/LILO of existing 220 / 400 KV lines. Bringing
extra power to Mumbai by any means to cater to the load growth of Mumbai
The following works are completed / Work in Progress/Planned:
Sr. No. Description of the scheme Status
1 220 kV Kharghar – Sonkhar HTLS Conversion Completed

2 220 kV Sonkhar – Trombay HTLS Conversion Completed

3 220 kV Kharghar Tap – Trombay HTLS Conversion Completed

4 220 kV Mulund – Bhandup LILO Section HTLS Conversion Completed
5 LILO of 220 kV Boisar - Ghodbunder & Tarapur -Borivali WIP
at Kudus. (Twin AAAC) -
6 220 kV Kalwa – Mulund-II HTLS Conversion Completed
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 16 of 24
 7 220 kV Mulund-II – Trombay HTLS Conversion WIP
8 220 kV Kalwa – Trombay HTLS conversion WIP
9 LILO of 220 kV Boisar (M) - Borivali S/c Line at Boisar Completed
(PG) Line
10 220 kV Boisar PG - Boisar (M) D/C HTLS conversion WIP
11 Conversion of 220 kV Kalwa-Trombay D/C line into M/C
Future
Consideration
12 220 kV third circuit between MSETCL Kalwa and Tata Planned
Power Salsette (KS line # 5)
13 400 kV Kalwa – Padgha 4 circuits planned

v. Implementation of bus splitting arrangement:

a) For reducing high fault level at 400/220 kV Kalwa Substation and adjoining 220
kV Substations existing transmission network, the following Bus Coupler are kept
open ;
(i) 220 kV Kalwa-I – Kalwa-II Inter-connector
(ii) 220 kV Mulund
(iii) 220 kV Temghar
b) Creation of 2nd 400 kV Kalwa Substation with splitting of 220 kV Bus with
provision of 3x500 MVA ICT and reorientation of existing 220 kV lines to the
newly created split bus will resolve the constraints at existing Kalwa Substation.
This scheme is part of STU Plan for FY 2019-20 to FY 2024-25.
vi. Pilot project on installation of PMU for availability of synchro phaser data to Control
Centres:
A PMU pilot project was carried out by MSETCL. Subsequently, PMUs have also
been installed into Maharashtra system by CTU.
vii. Up-grading of substation equipment-
Proposed & Done whenever required.
17.6 Status of the schemes suggested by Standing Committee Report under the Chairmanship
of Shri. U.G. Zalte during December, 2011:
Status of transmission proposals in the 5-year Business plan suggested by Zalte
Committee is as below.
Sr. Description of Scheme Implementing Expected date of
No. Utility COD

Short Term

Second ckt. stringing of 220 kV Borivali

1 TPC-T Completed
(MSETCL) – Borivali (TPC-T) D/D line
LILO of 220 kV Boisar (MSETCL) – Borivali AEML-T
2 Completed
(MSETCL) at Ghodbunder
AEML-T
3 Early commissioning of 220 KV Chembur Completed

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 17 of 24

Sr. Description of Scheme Implementing Expected date of
No. Utility COD

Medium Term
1 220 kV Kalwa – Salsette 3rdand 4thCkt TPC-T Completed
2 Commissioning of 220 kV Saki S/S TPC-T Completed
Interconnection of 220 KV Saki (TPC-T) – Saki
3 AEML-T Completed
(AEML-T)
Interconnection of proposed 220 KV Versova
4 Substation (TPC-T) – Versova Substation (AEML- TPC-T Completed
T)
400 KV Navi Mumbai (PGCIL)
5 CTU WIP

KVTPL has filed

Petition for grant of
400 KV Vikhroli Transmission
6 KVTPL Licence before the
Commission. Target
for completion is
March 2022.
Long Term
1000 MW VSC based HVDC between Nagothane to
1 AEML-T Dropped
Aarey
Dropped
400 kV Ghodbunder (Land issue)
2 AEML-T

400 kV Marve (TPC-T)

Dropped
3 TPC-T
(Land issue)

17.7 Following schemes are planned for strengthening of Mumbai system to increase
exchange capacity from outside and enhance reliability & security of Mumbai network.
MMR Peak
Sr. Load / Proposed Schemes
Year TTC ATC
No. Embedded
(MW) (MW)
Gen.
(MW)
3907 All Trombay I/C line HTLS + Boisar -
1 2019-20 3092 2592
877 Boisar HTLS + Boisar LILO
4024 220 kV third circuit between MSETCL
2 2020-21 Kalwa and Tata Power Salsette (KS 3212 2712
877
line # 5).
4145
3 2021-22 400 kV Kudus , 400 kV Vikhroli 3605 3105
877
4269 400 kV Padghe - Kalwa MC
4 2022-23 3902 3402
447

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 18 of 24

 MMR Peak
Sr. Load / Proposed Schemes
Year TTC ATC
No. Embedded
(MW) (MW)
Gen.
(MW)
5036
5 2023-24 400 kV Kalwa Split 4581 4081
447
6000 400kV Velgaon (Planned during 2024-
6 2030-31 25) 5667 5167
447

18. At the e-hearing through video conferencing held on 21 October 2020:

18.1 Representative of MSLDC explained the grid failure incident that occurred on 12
October 2020 and the chronology of events thereof, as detailed out in its Report and
stated that:
i. There was an inadvertent tripping by Station Operator at Kharghar Substation
which resulted into outage of 400 kV Talegaon (PG) -Kharghar line.
ii. There was considerable delay in bringing TPC-G Unit 5 and Unit 7 on bar. Also,
Hydro Generating Units that are expected to come on bar in short time, but same
were also synchronized with the grid with considerable delay.
18.2 Representative of STU stated that:
i. Earlier disturbances were mainly at 220kV level, however this time, two 400kV
Substations supply with four 400kV lines were out without any source.
ii. The load in MMR has increased significantly over the time since past
disturbances. Hence with change in scenario, it may be required to look into
whether there is any need for revision of load trimming settings.
iii. Mumbai Islanding System also needs to be reviewed particularly under the
circumstances where the embedded generation capacity is getting depleted.
iv. MSLDC’s assessment for allowing outage for the Padghe– Kalwa Ckt II in co-
ordination with WRLDC needs to be verified for its correctness.
v. TPC-G informed that Unit 8 would take almost two days for coming on bar.
However, the Unit under zero schedule should come on bar much earlier.
vi. The behavior of protection system needs to be analyzed and the reasons for drop in
frequency needs to be examined in detail.
vii. Embedded generation capacity may go down with time. The Distribution
Licensees need to resort to new technologies for their load management.
18.3 Representative of MSETCL stated that:
i. 400 kV Talegaon (PG) – Kalwa S/C was under breakdown from 10 October 2020
@ 13:47 Hrs due to the conductor snapping at Location No. 33 and 34.

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 19 of 24

 ii. MSETCL’s field office had submitted an application for opportunity outage on
400 kV Padghe – Kalwa Ckt. I for replacement of de-capped insulator string at the
location No.1044 occurred during the fault on B phase to Earth fault on 10
October 2020. Generally, outage is allowed on Saturday or Sunday. But inspite of
MSETCL’s request on Saturday or Sunday, MSLDC allowed the outage only on
Monday morning i.e. on 12 October 2020. Further, although 400 kV Padghe –
Kalwa Ckt. I was tripped due to over-voltage on 12 October 2020 @ 04:33 Hrs., it
had been successfully re-closed. MSETCL’s field officers had requested MSLDC
to cancel the outage, however it was not cancelled by MSLDC. This action of
MSLDC may be one of the subject matters of the enquiry. The said line was
restored later without attending the maintenance works. Hence it needs to verify
the necessity of emergency outage availed on 400kV Padghe – Kalwa Ckt. I on 12
October 2020.
iii. The manual tripping by the Kharghar Station Operator is an unfortunate event.
iv. For 400kV Padghe-Kalwa Ckt. II, there was no sign of sparking, however,
conductor was found broken mechanically, the reasons for the same needs to be
analysed.
v. MSETCL has been undertaking the due maintenance of these 400kV lines. There
was not a single tripping incident for these lines in recent past. Ground patrolling,
monkey patrolling, puncture insulator detection, thermography etc. have been done
as per schedule. However, MSETCL’s internal enquiry would look into all aspects
of maintenance and find out as to whether there were any lapses on maintenance
activities on these lines which resulted into conductor failure. This enquiry is
expected to be completed within two weeks.
18.4 Representative of MSEDCL reiterated its submission as made out in its replies and on
the Commission’s query as to whether MSEDCL had submitted chronology or events
log in its replies, MSEDCL stated that its replies have been based on details compiled
from various EHV Substations reading affected load and affected areas, however,
MSEDCL will submit the detailed chronology of events as per directions of the
Commission.
18.5 Representative of BEST, MBPPL and GEPL reiterated their submissions as made out in
their respective replies.
18.6 Representative of AEML-G reiterated its submission as made out in the replies and
stated that:
i. Both Units of DTPS successfully operated in islanded mode as per the present
islanding scheme. However, Unit 2 which is having old governor system, did not
respond quickly to the load thrown off condition and the Unit tripped later while
re-synchronization with grid during restoration.
ii. On the query from the Commission about frequency, AEML-G stated that as per
records, the frequency had reached as low as 46.6 Hz.
iii. Responding to the Commission’s query as to how AEML Islanding System could
survive, AEML-G replied that same was the result of the effective load
management/curtailment undertaken by AEML-T and AEML-D.
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 20 of 24
18.7 Representative of AEML-T stated that:
i. AEML-T has fully automatic Islanding System wherein the tie-line power, Unit
generation and system load is recorded and monitored in real time continuously.
At 48 Hz, automatic load disconnection takes place to reduce the load on system
with due consideration of the critical and priority loads.
ii. On account of automatic load management system, AEML islanding system could
survive and the critical load were supplied till complete system restoration.
iii. Restoration was completed with TPC through TPC Versova-AEML Versova
connectivity at 01:58 Hrs on 13 October 2020 and with MSETCL through
MSETCL Borivali–AEML Aarey at 17:29 Hrs on 13 October 2020.
18.8 Representative of AEML-D stated that:
i. 33kV feeders of AEML-D are equipped with frequency-based load shedding
features. Total 51 nos. of 33 kV feeders, being the priority feeders, were in service.
Rest Feeders were affected from TPC end. TPC-D did not charge the feeders as
per priority resulting into off-supply to Hinduja Hospital, Swastik Hospital etc.
TPC has given priority to its consumers and discriminated AEML.
ii. On 5 April 2020, AEML had shared a list of critical feeders to TPC. In 2014,
similar incident had occurred, and the Committee appointed by the State
Government had recommended that there should not be any discrimination by the
Transmission Licensees towards any Distribution Licensee while reconnecting the
loads.
18.9 Representative of TPC reiterated its submission as made out in its replies and stated that:
i. As per SLDC’s instructions, Hydro Units were picked up but same could not be
synchronized with the grid.
ii. At 47.9 Hz, the Islanding System operated but the system didn’t survive. At 47.7
Hz, AEML system was islanded from TPC system. But TPC Islanding System
could not survive as the rate of frequency decline (df/dt) was very high (upto 3 Hz
per second). Islanding System can survive if the df/dt is upto 1.
iii. Rate of frequency decline was so high that before breaker operation could
complete, the frequency dropped significantly.
iv. On the Commission’s query as to whether such frequency decline was the rarest
event, TPC replied that it is a significantly high df/dt and TPC has approached IIT
to get this phenomenon examined by them.
v. Since 1997, there is no failure of Mumbai Islanding System. Initial analysis of
TPC suggest that islanding system works effectively in generation rich system. In
past Islanding events, the embedded generation was around 80 to 90% of the load.
However, in present event, almost 60% of power was from outside Mumbai and
also almost 1000 MW availability was dropped at Kalwa Substation. TPC-G
generation was picking up, but the system changes were so rapid in its transient
state that Islanding System could not operate successfully.

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 21 of 24

 vi. Considering the fact that embedded generation capacity is reducing over the time,
Mumbai demand is increasing, and more and more power being received from
outside Mumbai, review of existing Islanding System and review of frequency
setting needs to be undertaken.
vii. Last islanding has happened in FY 2007 but it is a matter of fact that the embedded
generation is going down since FY 2012.
viii. For Unit 7, TPC had to follow up with GAIL for gas requirement. Unit 8 was out
of service since last 6 months and was kept on preservative mode. Typical Start-up
time is around 8 to 10 hours from the cold start. Unit 5 is also old unit and has
outlived 35 years of service and hence it took time to come on bar. Start-up under
total shutdown takes time as compared to start-up of the units when the power
from grid is available.
ix. TPC has formed an internal committee to analyse the event and look into the
technical issues in detail.
x. On query raised by the Commission, TPC stated that Automatic load shedding
system exists at Trombay and there is no need for manual intervention.
xi. In 1995 also, Islanding System could not survive as fault was at Kalwa Substation.
The distance from the fault location also impacts the amount of disturbance at a
particular Generating Station and AEML system could survive, probably because
DTPS is far away from fault location. Had the fault location been near Borivali
Substation, AEML system could have faced similar problem as TPC faced.
xii. There is neither formal protocol from AEML for critical load supply nor a list of
critical loads have been furnished by AEML. TPC has no intention for
discriminating AEML-D’s consumers.
xiii. On query from the Commission, TPC clarified that supply to Railways was
restored at 11.30 am on priority.
xiv. It needs to examine as to why load trimming system at Kharghar could not
operate.
xv. As the ratio of embedded generation and incoming power is changed significantly,
the Islanding System needs a relook alongwith WRPC’s involvement. Corridor
may be strengthened, but still islanding would be an issue for meeting internal load
in case of grid failure outside Mumbai.

Commission’s Analysis and Rulings:

19. Under Section 2(32) of EA, the Grid has been defined as the high voltage backbone
system of inter-connected transmission lines, sub-stations and generating plants. Thus,
although MSLDC is the apex body for ensuring integrated operation of the power
system in a State, all Generating Stations, Transmission Licensees, Distribution
Licensees and other entities connected to InSTS need to operate their own
plants/systems in a such manner that the grid security and reliability is maintained. Thus,
Grid security and reliability becomes the collective responsibility of all the stakeholders
which needs to be discharged by all concerned with due regard to the roles and
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 22 of 24
 responsibility as mentioned in the Grid Code Regulations. Accordingly, it becomes
important to examine as to whether all concerned entities including MSLDC have
acted/responded during the grid disturbance effectively and in a timely manner
consistent with their respective roles and responsibilities laid down under the Grid Code
Regulations. It is necessary to find out as to what happened at individual stakeholder
level and what needs to be done in future at individual stakeholder level and collectively
at systems level to avoid recurrence of such event.
20. The Commission notes that in the past, when similar incidents had occurred, the studies
had been undertaken by the Commission through Expert Committees to find out the
primary reason for the grid disturbances and based on recommendations, glaring
difficulties were rectified. However, the long-term plans for infrastructure
augmentation/development seem not to have materialized in toto as was expected.
Accordingly, it is necessary to examine as to whether the delay in implementation of
recommendations/suggestions of the Committees had any bearing on the partial grid
failure of MMR that occurred on 12 October 2020.
21. The Commission further notes that the partial grid disturbance on 12 October 2020
affected a greater part of MMR region affecting lakhs of consumers. While such grid
incidences cannot be totally avoided, its frequency can certainly be minimized and the
damaged in terms of period of interruption could be limited. Also, the area affected can
be limited by taking immediate and proactive steps upon occurrences of such events.
Further, there are certain additional provisions made for Mumbai such as Mumbai
Islanding System, Standby Charges being paid for by the Mumbai consumers,
infrastructure cost being paid, necessary protocols already laid down etc. Hence, it is a
reasonable expectation that the consumers get reliable power without such major grid
incidents. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the correct reasons behind such grid
disturbances and also to find out as to whether there are any lapses on part the of any
entity due to which the grid disturbance has occurred.
22. The Commission further notes all the stakeholders have submitted their own assessments
for the probable reasons for the partial grid failure. Failure of Islanding System, delay in
bringing the Generating Units on bar, permission for outage for 400 kV on working days
when another important 400kV line was already under breakdown outage, possible
inadvertent tripping by the Station operator at Kharghar Substation, delay in load
management / load disconnections, inadequate load trimming etc. are some of the
reasons stated by the stakeholders. However, verification of individual submissions and
root cause analysis by independent experts would be necessary to find out exact reason
for the incident. This analysis would also help to take appropriate (immediate and
medium term) remedial measures for ensuring that such incident do not recur in future.
23. In light of the above, the Commission deems it appropriate to appoint an Independent
High Level Committee to analyze the submissions of all the Parties, to find out the root
cause of the incident, to examine the adequacy of protections systems/ islanding systems
etc., to verify adequacy of responses of all concerned, adherence of Grid Code
Regulations etc. The proposed Committee should also suggest remedial measures on
immediate and medium-term basis and corrective actions to avoid such incidents in
future. Such remedial measures shall also include various feasible technological option
which would help to avoid such incidence. Formation of the High Level Committee, its
MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 23 of 24
 terms of reference for deliverables, the time frame for submission of the Report,
secretarial support to the Committee shall be specified in a separate notification of the
Commission.
24. Based on submissions made by the Parties during the hearing dated 21 October 2020, the
Commission also notes that the Parties (such as MSLDC, MSETCL, STU, TPC etc.)
have either constituted internal enquiries or internal studies to find out as to whether
there had been any lapses internally or to find out technical reasons behind the incident.
The Commission directs that the internal enquiries should be completed in a timebound
manner fixing the responsibilities in case of serious inadvertence/lapses. Further, the
studies initiated should be concluded in timebound manner with the objective to improve
upon various aspects such as system protections, routine maintenance activities, design
of the material/equipment being procured, training, documentation etc. The Commission
directs the Parties to submit the outcome of their internal enquiries and the internal
studies to the Commission and also to the High Level Committee constituted by the
Commission.
25. Hence, the following order:
ORDER

1. Suo Moto Case No. 202 of 2020 is disposed off.

2. An enquiry is ordered by an Independent High Level Committee to verify and
analyze the submissions of all the Parties, to find out the root cause of the incident,
to examine the adequacy of protections systems/ islanding systems etc., to verify
adequacy of responses of all concerned, adherence of MERC (State Grid Code)
Regulations 2020 etc. The constitution of the Independent High Level Committee
would be separately notified after the issue of this Order. The scope of the work
and the time frame for submission of the Report shall also be specified in the above
notification.
3. Upon receipt of the Report of the Committee, the Commission would take further
decision in the matter in according to provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003.
4. The Commission directs the Parties to submit the outcome of their internal
enquiries and the internal studies to the Commission and also to the Committee
constituted by the Commission.

Sd/- Sd/-
(Mukesh Khullar) (I.M. Bohari)
Member Member

MERC Order in Case No. 202 of 2020 Page 24 of 24