How govt plans to ensure grid stability during April 5 ‘lights out’

Many social media users are panicky about the situation and are forwarding messages on WhatsApp and other apps appealing people to switch on their fans for 15 minutes from 8.55 pm to 9.10 pm on April 5 "to maintain grid stability". Netizens claim this message is from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). On Friday, in his address to the nation, PM Modi urged people to light a lamp, candle or even shine a mobile flashlight to "dispel the darkness spread by coronavirus and show a collective resolve to defeat the disease". But the appeal has sent senior power officials in a tizzy as they fear a possible grid collapse and resultant blackout throughout the country. Grid stability is hampered when the identified frequency range specified by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is disturbed. The permissible range of the frequency band is 49.95-50.05 Hz (hertz) for normal running of the grid. Therefore, concerns that the mass 'lights out' event may impact the electricity grid due sudden drop in peak power demand are not totally misplaced, especially at a time normal power demand has gone down. To dispel doubts, the power ministry (https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1246374836747862017/photo/1) in a note dated April 4, has assured authorities concerned that all adequate measures are being taken and procedures are being worked out to handle "grid balancing" during the period. The ministry has appealed to people to continue running other electrical appliances as usual to handle the variation in power demand. For sports news , updates, live scores and cricket fixtures , log on to indiatoday.in/sports .