March 31, 2013

Power Grid Corp is developing Grid Security Expert System (GSES), worth Rs. 1,300 crore, as part of efforts to boost the country’s electricity transmission network and stave off possible cyber attacks on the power systems.

The proposed security system is part of larger measures being initiated by the Power Ministry to prevent recurrence of events like last year’s massive collapse of grids that affected more than half of country’s total population.

The project involves laying of optical fibre network costing about Rs. 1,100 crore for reliable communication and control of under-frequency and load shedding, among others.

Already, Power Grid has a dedicated independent communication network. The grid security expert system would help in having a proper communication/IT network utilising dedicated fibres to avoid any cyber attack on the power system.

Power Grid’s responsibility includes planning, co-ordination and control over inter-state transmission system as well as the operation of national and regional grids.

Following the worst ever grid failures witnessed in the country in 2012, the Power Ministry has initiated various steps including setting up of National Power Committee (NPC) to ensure better management of grid system.