UERC proposes ancillary services framework to strengthen Uttarakhand grid

The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has released the draft UERC (Ancillary Services) Regulations, 2026, proposing a framework for maintaining grid stability and managing sudden changes in electricity demand and supply across the state.

The proposed regulations introduce ancillary services, which are support services used by power system operators to maintain grid frequency, voltage and overall system reliability during contingencies such as generator outages, transmission line failures and demand fluctuations.

Reserves

The draft regulations provide for three categories of reserves.

Primary Reserve would require generating units to automatically adjust power output in response to changes in grid frequency.

Secondary Reserve would enable Automatic Generation Control (AGC) to increase or decrease generation within 30 seconds to restore system balance and scheduled frequency levels.

Tertiary Reserve would consist of additional generating capacity, battery energy storage systems and demand response resources that can be called upon within 15 minutes to address larger system disturbances.

Participation

The proposed framework allows participation from generating stations, energy storage systems and eligible demand response providers capable of reducing electricity consumption when required.

Ancillary service providers would be compensated for maintaining reserve capacity and responding to grid requirements as directed by the system operator.

Operations

The State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) will be responsible for forecasting reserve requirements, scheduling ancillary services, issuing dispatch instructions and monitoring performance.

The draft regulations also specify technical, metering and communication requirements for participating entities. Service providers that fail to meet performance standards may face restrictions on participation.

Objective

According to UERC, the proposed regulations are intended to enhance grid reliability, improve frequency control and strengthen the state’s ability to manage supply disruptions and demand fluctuations. The framework is also expected to support increasing electricity demand during large events and future load growth across Uttarakhand. 

The featured photograph is for representation only.