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The integrity of towers must be guaranteed by assessing the compatibility of existing foundations and towers, and evaluating mechanical stresses and tension. If there is a requirement for reinforcing any towers, such measures can be taken concurrently with the reconductoring process. Reconductoring extra high voltage lines on towers that support multiple voltages and circuits may pose challenges. The­re­fore, it is essential to implement effecti­ve strategies, especially when an adjacent circuit on the same tower needs to re­main energised. The growth in load and the need for economical system operation adapted to the load necessitate the adoption of cost-effective approaches to meet transmission capability requirements. In such scenarios, reconductoring using high temperature low sag (HTLS) conductors emerges as a viable option to au­gment power delivery to the load. HTLS allows for a relatively high current to flow through the conductor without compromising sag parameters. The elevated current rating substantially en­ha­n­­ces the thermal capacity of the overhead line, typically doubling its limit. The potential to deploy HTLS conductors, without simultaneous upgrades in towers and insulators, positions them as a promising option to increase the thermal rating of existing transmission pat­hs. This becomes particularly significant in urban areas where obtaining new RoW approvals proves challenging. Costs and tariffs According to the draft paper, a crucial aspect in the reconductoring process is determining the tariff mechanism. The choice lies between the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) and tariff-based com­petitive bidding (TBCB). Transmission schemes with a cost lower than Rs 1 billion require approval from the Central Transmission Utility (CTU). Meanwhile, schemes with a cost ranging from Rs 1 billion up to Rs 5 billion are sanctioned by the National Committee on Transmission (NCT). For schemes estimated to cost above Rs 5 billion, the NCT recommends approval to the Mini­stry of Power. The sanctioned schemes are then implemented through either the RTM or the TBCB route. RTM is a cost-plus model overseen by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited for project execution. In this system, reconductoring works are assigned to the licensee of the original line. Since the ac­tivities associated with reconductoring are typically classified as technical upgra­des, these projects are implemented in RTM mode by the owner of the original transmission line. Top of form However, concerns have been raised by transmission associations and industry stakeholders regarding the RTM approa­ch. They have apprehensions about hi­gher implementation costs and a perceived lack of transparency in the allocation of reconductoring works to the tra­nsmission licensee of the original line.

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