Articles by Rishi Ranjan Kala

Technology

Securing power grids: CERC flags severe manpower crunch at SLDCs

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has flagged the acute shortage of manpower at almost all the State Load Despatch Centres (SLDC) in the country, an issue that is delaying timely sharing of data for power demand and generation. The finding is part of a suo motu order passed by the regulator recently. The commission said concerns were raised by Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) on non-submission or delayed submission of Resource Adequacy (RA) including demand estimation and generation data by the various SLDCs due to shortage of manpower. Based on the demand estimates furnished by SLDCs, RLDCs prepare regional demand estimates and submit them to the NLDC. In case, the RA study estimate is not submitted by the SLDC for any state, RLDCs forecast using their own historically available data. The SLDCs in meetings with the CERC submitted that “almost all” the SLDCs are facing “acute shortages” of staff, impacting their operational efficiency. Several SLDCs have taken up the matter with competent authorities for additional manpower, while others are in the process of doing so, the regulator informed. In October 2024, CERC through a suo motu order had also issued directions to National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), RLDCs and SLDCs for prudent planning of load-generation to deal with abrupt increase in power demand due to seasonal variations. This latest CERC order is on the matter of planning for safe, secure and reliable integrated operation of power systems during critical periods arising due to seasonal variations. Manpower shortage The CERC pointed out that with round-the-clock (RTC) system operation, the SLDCs are expected to contribute to market operation, communication, IT services, cyber security and other establishment services to carry the various functions with a suitably skilled workforce. There has been a dynamic shift in the power sector with the large-scale integration of renewable sources, and it brings new challenges. Furthermore, there should be a sufficient number of power system operators so that the grid can be operated safely and efficiently, it emphasised. Sanctioned strength “Keeping in view of above facts, urgent action is required to ensure the availability of adequate number of manpower and for this SLDCs need to take up the matter with their management to provide the manpower as per their current sanctioned strength and also to approach their Management/respective State Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) for approval of additional manpower in terms of Power Ministry’s Workforce Adequacy Guidelines for LDCs,” it suggested. Addressing these shortfalls is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of SLDCs and effective monitoring, compliance and grid management, the regulator added. The CERC also suggested that SLDCs may work on creating a separate HR management and development policy, which should be aimed at structuring the movement of officers in specialised functions without disrupting operations and ensuring smooth staffing, structured job rotation, minimum tenure and continuous skill development of personnel. “SLDCs also need to work towards improving the working environment and upgrading their infrastructure. In this regard, the HR policy framed by Uttar Pradesh SLDC may be referred to by SLDCs,” it added. Adequate workforce The continuous training and certification for SLDC staff ensure that an adequate workforce is trained and certified annually, improving operational preparedness and technical competence of the SLDCs, the regulator said. “It is suggested that the trained staff should ideally not be shifted from the SLDCs, and to attract the staff for working in SLDCs, incentive provisions can be incorporated for the certified staff under the Fee and Charges of the SLDCs,” it recommended. RLDCs are directed to conduct structured capacity-building programmes in collaboration with NLDC to equip SLDC personnel with the required technical skills, the CERC said. Published on October 7, 2025