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The draft regulations set by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) in 2024 outline specific terms and conditions for Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. They aim to facilitate a transparent, non-discriminatory framework to allow consumers, licensees, and generators to access green energy sources using intra-state transmission and distribution networks.
These regulations apply to consumers with a sanctioned load or demand of at least 100 kW, except in the case of captive consumers, where there is no minimum load limit. GEOA is divided into three main categories based on duration: short-term (up to one month), medium-term (three months to five years), and long-term (seven to twenty-five years). This classification helps align access based on consumer needs, providing options for varying commitment periods.
To streamline applications, the Central Nodal Agency has been designated to handle GEOA requests through a centralized portal, which forwards them to the State Nodal Agency for processing. This system is designed to improve coordination across stakeholders, including transmission and distribution licensees. Consumers are required to install compliant meters to record energy usage accurately, with larger consumers needing advanced metering systems that provide data in 15-minute intervals.
DERC has introduced specific fees and charges for GEOA to maintain the infrastructure and compensate licensees. These include transmission and wheeling charges, cross-subsidy surcharges, and additional surcharges, which are applicable depending on the nature of the consumer’s use of the grid. A unique feature is the energy banking facility, allowing consumers to bank surplus green energy with the distribution licensee, with withdrawal permitted under certain conditions. The banking arrangement is evaluated on a time-block basis, with unutilized energy considered forfeited after each billing cycle, although this may qualify for renewable energy certificates.
The regulations provide a priority framework for GEOA consumers during system constraints, giving precedence to distribution licensees, followed by long-term, medium-term, and then short-term GEOA consumers. In cases where a consumer cannot use their contracted energy, provisions allow for the relinquishment of access with compensation mechanisms to prevent undue burdens on the system.
To encourage flexibility, GEOA consumers are permitted to engage in day-ahead transactions. They can apply for open access on a short notice period, with decisions granted on a same-day basis for requests submitted by 1 p.m., making it easier for consumers to respond to immediate energy needs. Provisions for metering, data reporting, dispute resolution, and compliance with grid codes are specified to maintain system integrity.
These draft regulations represent DERC’s ongoing commitment to supporting green energy adoption by providing a structured, supportive framework. This framework is designed to foster a shift toward renewable energy sources, streamline energy access, and encourage the integration of green energy within the existing power infrastructure of Delhi. |
