Overview
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a Government of India enterprise engaged in the transmission of electric power across India. Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, the company operates one of the largest electricity transmission networks in the world and plays a central role in evacuating power from generating stations to load centres through its inter-state transmission system.
| Name | Power Grid Corporation of India Limited |
|---|---|
| Type | Public sector undertaking (Maharatna) |
| Industry | Electric power transmission |
| Headquarters | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
| Owner | Government of India (Ministry of Power) |
| Stock listings | BSE, NSE |
Background
POWERGRID was incorporated as the National Power Transmission Corporation Limited and was later renamed Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. It was established to consolidate the planning, construction and operation of inter-state and inter-regional transmission systems that were earlier handled by various central generating utilities. The company functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
Operations
The company's principal business is the transmission of bulk power across states and regions through extra high voltage (EHV) and high voltage direct current (HVDC) networks. Its operations include:
- Planning, construction, operation and maintenance of inter-state transmission lines and substations.
- Operation of the National Grid, which interconnects the regional grids of India in a synchronous mode.
- Telecommunications services through its dedicated optical fibre network laid along transmission corridors.
- Consultancy services in transmission, distribution and related power sector activities, both in India and abroad.
National Grid
POWERGRID was instrumental in the integration of the country's regional grids — Northern, Eastern, Western, North-Eastern and Southern — into a single synchronous National Grid. The synchronous interconnection of the Southern Grid with the rest of the national network in 2013 marked the formation of the "One Nation, One Grid" framework, enabling large-scale inter-regional transfer of power.
Corporate status
The company was conferred Navratna status by the Government of India and was subsequently elevated to Maharatna status, granting it greater operational and financial autonomy. POWERGRID had its initial public offering and is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India, with the Government of India retaining majority shareholding.
Subsidiaries and ventures
POWERGRID has floated several subsidiaries and joint ventures for specific transmission projects, often awarded through tariff-based competitive bidding. It has also been associated with cross-border transmission links connecting India with neighbouring countries such as Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Significance
As the central transmission utility (CTU) of India, POWERGRID is responsible for the planning and development of the inter-state transmission system. The reliability and reach of its network are critical for the functioning of the Indian electricity market, the integration of large renewable energy capacity, and the achievement of universal electricity access goals.
Related topics
- Ministry of Power
- National Grid of India
- NTPC Limited
- Central Electricity Authority
- Maharatna
- Electricity sector in India
References
- Wikidata entry: Q3400886
- Ministry of Power, Government of India.