Methods for Handling Situations of Grid Congestion Incidents on the Transmission Network

Handling method for incidents of congestion on the transmission grid (Illustration)

To be specific, Article 17 of Circular 34/2011/TT-BCT which stipulates the allocation of power and reduction of electricity in case of localized power shortage, provides guidance on handling incidents of congestion on the transmission grid as follows:

1. In the case of potential congestion on the transmission grid leading to a localized power shortage or failure to meet the operating standards of the power system, the National Load Dispatch Center is responsible for:

- Identifying areas with localized power shortages and areas at risk of failing to meet the operating standards of the power system, and the time period of the localized power shortage;- Determining the maximum power that can be supplied to the area with a power shortage and estimating the amount of power shortfall;- Formulating a power allocation plan in areas with localized power shortages, presenting it for approval by Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority for monitoring and overseeing implementation.

2. The power allocation plan for power corporations is simultaneously developed with the national power system operation plan for the week as stipulated in Article 16 of Circular No. 09/2010/TT-BCT.

3. By 9:00 AM on Friday of week W, the power corporations in the areas with localized power shortages must complete power allocation for week W+2 and update and adjust the allocated power amounts for week W+1 to the provincial power companies under their jurisdiction according to the approved power allocation plan for the area with localized power shortages, while reporting to Vietnam Electricity (EVN) for monitoring and oversight.

4. By 4:00 PM on Friday of week W, Hanoi Power Corporation, Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation, and provincial power companies in the area with localized power shortages must complete the local power cutback plan for week W+2 and update, adjust the power cutback plan for week W+1 following the principles stipulated in Article 9 of this Circular, and report to the local Department of Industry and Trade for monitoring and oversight.

5. The procedures for power load reduction are carried out according to the regulations set forth in Decision No. 39/2005/QD-BCN and Circular No. 09/2010/TT-BCT.

6. During the operation of the power system, the National Load Dispatch Center and regional load dispatch units are permitted to implement emergency load shedding measures to ensure the security of the power system in the following cases:

- In emergency situations where congestion occurs on the transmission grid leading to a risk of localized power shortages or failure to meet the operating standards of the power system;- Actual hourly operating power of power corporations and provincial power companies exceed the allocated power as planned.

More details can be found in Circular 34/2011/TT-BCT, effective from October 24, 2011.

Thuy Tram

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