The "Moving Zero" Scandal: Vindhyachal’s Tactical Beta Certification
Beta Certification logs for the Western Region (Oct–Dec 2025) reveal a statistical anomaly in Primary Frequency Response compliance.
In October 2025, NTPC Vindhyachal Stage V recorded a Beta score of 0.00.
By December, Stage V showed a perfect 1.00 score, while Vindhyachal Stage II dropped to 0.00.
This alternating failure pattern suggests a tactical manoeuvre to maintain an average Beta score outside severe penalty thresholds.
The issue extends beyond financial incentives into grid physics.
If a stage fails to respond to frequency deviations during a contingency, grid vulnerability increases.
The moving zero mechanism avoids chronic non-performer classification and defers investment in Governor Droop or steam valve upgrades, while stability risks persist.
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