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The uncertain future of Indian domestic gas production has cascading effects on the overall role of gas in the country´s energy sector. The impacts have already been felt in the power sector where the PLF of gas-fired plants during the year averaged only 18.64% in May last year and more recently at 23.73% (May 2016) due to unavailability of gas.

For a continuous process plant like an integrated steel plant, reliability and quality of power is very important. The quality of power is generally defined by the voltage variation, frequency variation, and number and duration of interruption.

A lot of initiatives are being taken in the power sector for improving generation, transmission and distribution segments. In the generation segment, the focus is being shifted to renewable energy sources, with particular spotlight on solar, besides nuclear.

Although there are certain standards of performance for power distribution companies mentioned by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and also mandated by the state electricity regulatory commissions, they are not properly monitored. I will tell you a simple reason.

Power Quality is little more complex as it has dependencies on both supplier and consumer. (Definition) Definition of Power Quality (PQ), depends on one´s frame of reference. For example, a utility may define power quality as reliability and show statistics that its system is 98% or 99% reliable. This is the usual criteria established by regulatory agencies.

The following measures may be taken to improve overall Grid Power Supply Scenario: a) Installation of FACTS - Flexible AC Transmission System devices as mentioned earlier b) Uniform code of conduct for power transmission and distribution of each state c) Implication of legal penalty rules for distribution companies (discoms) as applicable for utilities (Today discoms impose penalty on utilities for low PF, over and under drawl. Similar penalties can be imposed on discoms for low power quality

As far as need for replacement of existing T&D tower with monopole is concerned, it depends on the factors like space and aesthetic requirement for monopoles to be installed in developing urban areas. And for rural area it will be a requirement where RoW problems exist, especially in agriculture lands and land requirement for transmission along the highways.

Advantages of monopole in comparison to conventional tower are: Less right-of-way (RoW), better appearance, less components resulting in faster installation, better reliability under extreme conditions, design flexibility, vandalism proof, reliable performance and longer service life.

Developed power sector markets like North America and Europe have been using monopoles since 1960s. However BEL had set-up the first world-class, state-of-the-art galvanized steel structure manufacturing unit in India at MIDC Ranjangaon, near Pune in 2002