Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under Ministry of Power, has issued Comprehensive Guidelines for the usage and sharing of fiber cores of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW)/Underground Fiber Optic (UGFO) cables for Power System applications. The guidelines have been formulated with the collective efforts of the Committee constituted under the chairmanship of Member (Power Systems), CEA with representatives from Central Transmission Utility, State Transmission Utilities, Grid Controller of India Ltd, Transmission Service Providers, and other key stakeholders.

These guidelines aim to provide a clear and standardized framework for the allocation and sharing of fiber cores of OPGW/UGFO cable deployed across power transmission network, thereby balancing the commercial prospects of fiber usage with the imperative of maintaining secure, reliable, and scalable grid operations. It establishes a structured approach to fiber allocation, safeguarding power system communication needs and mitigating future conflicts.

Key Highlights:

1. Prioritizing grid needs: The guidelines prioritize fiber allocation for critical grid communications, ensuring free spare fibers for future grid needs.
2. Sharing framework: A well-defined framework has been outlined to facilitate the sharing of spare fiber capacity among various stakeholders, including Central Transmission Utility (CTU), State Transmission Utilities (STUs), Transmission Service Providers (TSPs), and other entities.
3. Commercial Utilization with Safeguards: Leasing of spare fibers for non-grid applications permitted provided it doesn't compromise future grid requirements. All leasing contracts to include a termination clause, mandating at max of 18-month notice period to reclaim fiber cores for grid applications whenever required.
4. Due diligence & compliance: It emphasises the need for assessment of future grid communication needs and adherence to applicable CEA/CERC/SERC regulations.
5. Scalability for future needs: Utilities encouraged to plan and install OPGW with 48/96 fiber cores to provide sufficient capacity for last-mile connectivity, future expansions, and LILO requirements, leveraging the Right of Way (ROW) effectively.
6. Maintenance of database: A comprehensive database to be maintained to monitor the allocation and utilization of OPGW fibers, ensuring transparency and accountability.
7. Technological neutrality: The guidelines offer the choice between IEEE C37.94 protocol over shared fiber or separate optical fibers, thereby, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in the implementation of differential protection schemes.

By promoting efficient allocation, sharing, and utilization of optical fibers, the guidelines will contribute to a more reliable, resilient, and future-ready power grid and efficient resource management across the power sector. The document is available on the CEA website for reference by all stakeholders.

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