CEA Issues Guidelines For Efficient Use And Sharing Of Optical Fibers In Power Systems - SolarQuarter

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has issued comprehensive guidelines for the usage and sharing of fiber cores of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and Underground Fiber Optic (UGFO) cables in power system applications. These guidelines have been developed with the input of a committee led by the Member (Power Systems) of CEA, including representatives from the Central Transmission Utility, State Transmission Utilities, Grid Controller of India Ltd, Transmission Service Providers, and other key stakeholders.

The objective of these guidelines is to establish a clear framework for the allocation and sharing of fiber cores across power transmission networks. The guidelines aim to balance the commercial use of fiber with the need to maintain a secure, reliable, and scalable power grid. They set forth a structured approach to fiber allocation, ensuring that power system communication needs are met while preventing potential conflicts in the future.

The guidelines prioritize the allocation of fiber for critical grid communications, ensuring that sufficient spare fibers remain available for future grid requirements. A structured framework has been developed to facilitate the sharing of spare fiber capacity among Central Transmission Utilities, State Transmission Utilities, Transmission Service Providers, and other entities. The guidelines also permit the leasing of spare fibers for non-grid applications as long as future grid needs are not compromised. All leasing contracts must include a termination clause, allowing the retrieval of fiber cores for grid applications with an 18-month notice period.

To ensure proper implementation, the guidelines emphasize the importance of assessing future grid communication needs and adhering to regulations set by the CEA, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). Utilities are encouraged to plan and install OPGW with 48 or 96 fiber cores, providing sufficient capacity for future expansions, last-mile connectivity, and loop-in loop-out (LILO) requirements while effectively using the Right of Way.

A comprehensive database will be maintained to monitor fiber allocation and utilization, ensuring transparency and accountability. The guidelines also provide technological flexibility by allowing the choice between IEEE C37.94 protocol over shared fiber or separate optical fibers for implementing differential protection schemes.

By promoting efficient allocation, sharing, and utilization of optical fibers, these guidelines aim to strengthen the power grid, improve resource management, and ensure long-term grid stability. The document is available on the CEA website for reference by all stakeholders.