As per Electricity Act 2003, distribution of electricity is a licensed activity and it is the duty of the respective distribution licensee to develop and maintain an efficient, safe and economical distribution system in its area of supply.
GoI launched Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in July 2021 to support distribution utilities improve their operational efficiency and financial viability. Under the scheme, Disaster or Cyclone Resilient Works amounting to Rs. 3,088 Cr have been sanctioned for coastal areas in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Sanctioned works includes HT and LT underground cabling, Ring Main Unit (RMU), Ariel Bunched Cabling (ABC), augmentation of distribution transformers etc.
Disaster management plan for power sector published by CEA focuses on grid resilience, disaster resistant generation, transmission and distribution network to ensure reliable power supply to all geographically specific areas, including coastal areas like Konkan region, keeping in view extreme weather-related instance and natural disasters.
Further, CEA (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electrical Lines) Regulations 2022 and CEA (Grid Standards) Regulation 2010 mentions about use of underground cables in coastal areas, emergency restoration system to minimise outage, GIS substation in seismic prone areas, coastal areas etc.
