Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under Ministry of Power, has issued comprehensive guidelines for the usage and sharing of fibre cores of optical ground wire (OPGW)/ underground fibre 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 standardised framework for the allocation and sharing of fibre cores of OPGW/UGFO cable deployed across power transmission network, thereby balancing the commercial prospects of fibre usage with the imperative of maintaining secure, reliable, and scalable grid operations. It establishes a structured approach to fibre allocation, safeguarding power system communication needs and mitigating future conflicts.

Key highlights include:

  • Prioritising grid needs: The guidelines prioritise fibre allocation for critical grid communications, ensuring free spare fibres for future grid needs.
  • Sharing framework: A well-defined framework has been outlined to facilitate the sharing of spare fibre capacity among various stakeholders, including central transmission utility (CTU), state transmission utilities (STUs), transmission service providers (TSPs), and other entities.
  • Commercial utilisation with safeguards: Leasing of spare fibres for non-grid applications permitted provided it does not compromise future grid requirements. All leasing contracts to include a termination clause, mandating at maximum of 18-month notice period to reclaim fibre cores for grid applications whenever required.
  • Due diligence and compliance: It emphasises the need for assessment of future grid communication needs and adherence to applicable CEA/ Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)/ State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) regulations.
  • Scalability for future needs- Utilities encouraged to plan and install OPGW with 48/96 fibre cores to provide sufficient capacity for last-mile connectivity, future expansions, and LILO requirements, leveraging the Right of Way (ROW) effectively.
  • Maintenance of database: A comprehensive database to be maintained to monitor the allocation and utilisation of OPGW fibres, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Technological neutrality: The guidelines offer the choice between IEEE C37.94 protocol over shared fibre or separate optical fibres, thereby, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in the implementation of differential protection schemes.

By promoting efficient allocation, sharing, and utilisation of optical fibres, the guidelines will contribute to a more reliable, resilient, and future-ready power grid and efficient resource management across the power sector.