Cyclone-proofing power: Centre outlines works in Maharashtra

The Union Government has highlighted multiple steps taken to strengthen disaster-resilient electricity distribution systems in coastal areas, including Maharashtra, through regulatory frameworks and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

According to a written reply by Minister of State for Power Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in the Rajya Sabha, works worth Rs 3,088 crore have been sanctioned under RDSS specifically for cyclone-resilient infrastructure in coastal states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. These include high and low tension underground cabling, installation of Ring Main Units (RMUs), aerial bunched cabling, and transformer upgrades.

In Maharashtra, Rs 17,237 crore has been sanctioned for distribution projects under RDSS. This includes underground cabling, substations, and network augmentation to support smart grid development. Key works include SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and DMS (Distribution Management System) systems for Mumbai valued at Rs 144 crore, and IT/OT upgrades, including ERP solutions and load forecasting tools for BEST and MSEDCL DISCOMs worth Rs 244 crore.

Smart metering works have also been sanctioned under RDSS, covering 2.35 crore consumer meters, 4.1 lakh distribution transformer meters, and 29,214 feeder meters.

In parallel, a task force report on cyclone-resilient electricity infrastructure circulated in June 2021 by the Ministry of Power recommended that coastal states and union territories map cyclone-prone zones within 20 to 30 kilometres of their coastlines. All new or reconstructed power systems in such zones are to follow prescribed design standards.

Regulatory measures have also been aligned. The Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) disaster management plan emphasises resilience across generation, transmission, and distribution networks in disaster-prone areas. The CEA’s 2022 technical standards and 2010 grid standards include provisions for underground cables, GIS substations, and emergency restoration systems in coastal and seismic zones.

The government is also working to improve cybersecurity in the power sector. A dedicated CSIRT-Power unit supports utilities in managing cyber threats and has developed protocols specific to the sector. CEA’s guidelines address key cybersecurity requirements, while smart metering procurement under RDSS includes safeguards related to secure communication, cloud infrastructure, and incident response. The Ministry of Power has further mandated domestic testing of imported equipment to detect malware and ensure compliance with Indian standards.