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The Arunachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has introduced new regulations about the installation of Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Systems with various metering arrangements. These regulations aim to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy by consumers and prosumers (consumers who also produce electricity) in Arunachal Pradesh.
Under these regulations, consumers are now permitted to install grid-connected renewable energy systems with net metering, group net metering, virtual net metering, net billing/net feed-in, or gross metering arrangements. This allows them to generate electricity through renewable sources like solar and wind and to feed excess power back into the grid.
One key aspect of the regulations is the capacity limits for renewable energy systems. Consumers can install systems ranging from 1 kW to 1000 kW (1 MW), depending on their sanctioned load or contract demand. This ensures that installations are aligned with the technical standards and the state’s electricity supply code.
The regulations prioritize safety and technical standards, requiring all installations to operate safely in parallel with the distribution network. The capacity of renewable energy systems connected to a distribution transformer is limited to 80% of the transformer’s capacity, ensuring reliability and preventing overload issues.
The APERC has set a target capacity of 50 MW for grid-connected renewable energy systems under these metering arrangements within the distribution licensee’s supply area. This target will be periodically reviewed by the Commission.
For prosumers, the choice of metering arrangement—whether net metering, net billing, or gross metering—is offered on a first-come, first-served basis by the distribution licensee. The metering systems used must comply with Central Electricity Authority standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability in measuring electricity generation and consumption.
In terms of billing and energy accounting, surplus energy exported to the grid is adjusted against the consumer’s electricity consumption. The regulations specify procedures for meter readings, billing credits, and the settlement of energy accounts.
These regulations also allow third-party ownership of renewable energy systems under gross metering arrangements, provided there is a formal agreement with the distribution licensee.
The introduction of these regulations is a positive step towards promoting renewable energy adoption in Arunachal Pradesh. By enabling consumers to generate their own electricity and feed excess power back into the grid, the regulations encourage sustainable energy practices and reduce reliance on conventional power sources.
For consumers interested in installing renewable energy systems, it is essential to understand the capacity limits and metering options available. Choosing the right metering arrangement based on individual energy needs and consumption patterns can optimize the benefits of renewable energy installations.
To ensure the successful implementation of these regulations, stakeholders should prioritize compliance with technical standards and safety requirements. Regular monitoring of transformer capacities and distribution network capabilities will help prevent grid-related issues and ensure the reliability of renewable energy systems. The periodic review of target capacities by the APERC presents an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of these regulations and make adjustments based on evolving energy demands and technological advancements in renewable energy. |
