Punjab Newsline
Shinde dedicates to the nation the National Load Dispatch Centre
VINOD KUMAR GUPTA
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Power Sushilkumar Shinde Wednesday dedicated the National Load Dispatch Centre of Power Grid to the Nation at New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion Shinde said that the NLDC will facilitate optimal exchange of power between regions. He said that with the NLDC in place the grid security at the national level will be considerably improved as it will provide real time information at one centralised location. He expressed hope that the NLDC will play an important role as a nodal agency for power exchanges.

Shinde expressed confidence that about 90,000 MW capacity will be added during the current Five Year Plan which is roughly four times the capacity added in any previous Plan periods. Reiterating a firm commitment for Power for all by 2012, the Minister said that the 11th Plan has set a target of 78,700 MW for capacity addition, in addition to a capacity of 12,000 MW from captive power plants and about 14,000 MW from alternate sources. As against this target, Shinde said, a capacity of 12,000 MW has already been commissioned till date and 68,000 MW is under construction with orders already placed.

The NLDC will be the apex body for ensuring integrated operation of the National Grid and power system in the country. The NLDC will facilitate optimum scheduling and dispatch of electricity across Regional boundaries thus ensuring equitable utilization of surplus power countrywide while ensuring economy, efficiency, stability and security of the National Grid.