| Work Detail |
The Captive Power Producers Association (CPPA) filed a petition with the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) seeking amendments in the Open Access Regulations to allow wind-solar-thermal hybrid power plants in Maharashtra. The petition aimed to facilitate hybrid power generation under the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Scheme, 2018, and the Ministry of Power’s 2022 scheme for bundling renewable energy with thermal and hydropower. CPPA also requested an interim relief to allow its members to connect their hybrid power plants to the state’s transmission and distribution networks. The association argued that integrating renewable energy with thermal power would promote sustainability, reduce emissions, and optimize energy use. It cited policies from other states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka that support hybrid projects. The petition highlighted regulatory gaps in Maharashtra that create obstacles for setting up such hybrid plants. CPPA requested clarifications and amendments related to connectivity, metering, forecasting, scheduling, deviation settlement, and transmission charges to facilitate hybrid power development. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) opposed the petition, arguing that Maharashtra does not have a specific policy for wind-solar-thermal hybrid projects. It contended that existing regulations distinguish between renewable and thermal energy, making their integration complex. MSEDCL also maintained that policy formulation requires public consultation and cannot be determined through an individual petition. The Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL) stated that current regulations require separate applications for connectivity of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. It argued that any regulatory amendments should align with state and central policies. The Maharashtra State Load Dispatch Centre (MSLDC) was later added as a respondent, and it also highlighted the need for regulatory changes before implementing hybrid power projects. During hearings, CPPA insisted that its petition was not asking for immediate regulatory amendments but for MERC to initiate the process of clarifying and modifying regulations. It emphasized that the Ministry of Power’s bundling scheme allows thermal power stations to integrate renewable energy and that other states have already adopted similar measures. MERC examined whether the bundling scheme applied to captive and open-access transactions. The commission found that the scheme primarily targets power stations supplying to distribution licensees under long-term agreements. Since captive power plants do not have such agreements, their inclusion under the scheme was unclear. MERC also noted significant regulatory differences between renewable and thermal power in areas like scheduling, open access permissions, billing, and deviation settlement. Ultimately, MERC rejected CPPA’s petition, stating that current regulations do not support integrated wind-solar-thermal projects. However, the commission acknowledged the potential benefits of hybrid energy and directed the Grid Coordination Committee (GCC) to conduct a detailed study on the feasibility of implementing the Ministry of Power’s bundling scheme in Maharashtra. The committee will assess regulatory amendments, technical requirements, and stakeholder concerns, with findings expected within six months. Based on the study, MERC may initiate regulatory changes or introduce new guidelines to facilitate hybrid energy projects in the state. |
