Evolution and Institutional Building of Load Despatch Centres in India

Abstract

This paper attempts to document the evolution of Load Despatch as an institution in India. It describes initiatives taken in India for institutional restructuring of Load Despatch Centres. The paper traces the history of the establishment of an Independent System Operator for the integrated operation of the Indian national grid. The technical, financial, organizational and human resource-related challenges have been discussed. The various strategies adopted for managing the transition in different phases have been outlined. The paper also highlights the key learnings which may be relevant for the organizational restructuring initiatives in other public infrastructure institutions as a part of the reforms process.