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The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, under its powers conferred by the Electricity Act, 2003, establishes these regulations to govern Green Energy Open Access and Banking. These regulations, titled “The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access and Banking) Regulations, 2024,” aim to facilitate connectivity and open access to electricity generated from renewable sources within the state.
The regulations extend to the whole of Himachal Pradesh, applying to connectivity and open access for energy generated from Green/Renewable Energy Sources, as defined in the regulations. Green energy may also be generated from non-fossil-based waste-to-energy plants. Access will be granted for both intra-state transmission systems and distribution systems, with allowances for combined use with inter-state transmission.
A generator, consumer, or trader is ineligible for open access unless connected to the intra-state transmission or distribution system. Consumers may apply for both connectivity and open access simultaneously. Where other regulations apply, such as those governing wheeling and banking, they will remain effective for green energy applications unless stated otherwise.
Consumers and generators are eligible for Green Energy Open Access based on system availability, with consumers who have a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more qualifying. This open access applies equally to both captive and independent green energy generation. Consumers can purchase green energy from the Distribution Licensee, with a commitment to supply for at least one year.
In terms of renewable energy, energy above the Renewable Purchase Obligation is considered for compliance by Distribution Licensees. Existing consumers or generators may continue under existing agreements until they expire, with subsequent open access being subject to these new regulations. Open access for additional green energy capacity beyond existing contracts will be treated as new applications.
The regulations also define how long-term, medium-term, and short-term green energy open access will be handled. Constraints on transmission and distribution systems will determine the priority of curtailment, with green energy open-access consumers having priority over other categories.
Furthermore, detailed procedures for applying for connectivity and open access, including required application formats and associated charges, will be outlined by State Nodal Agencies. These agencies will follow national guidelines provided by organizations like POSOCO.
Applicants for green energy open access must register with the GOAR portal and submit applications in the prescribed format. The State Nodal Agency will verify these applications and approve them within 15 days. If sufficient system capacity exists, short-term and medium-term access will be granted without requiring system augmentation, while long-term access may necessitate system upgrades.
Regarding charges, the Commission will determine transmission, wheeling, cross-subsidy, and additional charges for green energy open-access consumers. These charges will be in line with prevailing regulations, and dedicated systems for green energy will be billed separately. Cross-subsidy surcharges will apply to certain consumers and will be calculated based on actual energy consumption, with exceptions outlined for renewable energy sources, including non-fossil waste-to-energy plants.
The regulations also provide for detailed metering and communication systems to ensure the accurate tracking of energy usage and system status. |