DERC Issues Draft Regulations for 2024 Green Energy Open Access

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has released the Draft Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024. 

These regulations aim to provide non-discriminatory open access for renewable energy via the intra-state transmission systems (InSTS) and distribution systems of state licensees, including systems incidental to inter-state electricity transmission. The draft outlines the methodology for determining open access charges and banking charges for green energy consumers.

As per the regulations, Green Energy Open Access consumers will be categorised based on the duration of their use of the intra-state transmission and/or distribution systems. ‘Long-term Green Energy Open Access’ refers to the right to use these systems for a period exceeding seven years but not more than 25 years. ‘Medium-term Green Energy Open Access’ applies to periods exceeding three months but not more than five years. ‘Short-term Green Energy Open Access’ covers periods up to one month at a time.

Long-term access will be granted according to transmission planning criteria and the distribution planning code stipulated in the State Grid Code. Short-term and medium-term access will be allowed if requests can be accommodated by utilising inherent design margins, variations in power flows, and spare transmission and distribution system capacities built for future load growth.

Consumers seeking open access for 1 MW and above must install ABT-compliant meters at both the generator and consumer ends. For those below 1 MW, Special Energy Meters capable of recording energy on a 15-minute time block basis are required.

All applications related to Green Energy Open Access must be submitted through the portal established by the Central Nodal Agency, which will forward them to the State Nodal Agency (SNA). These regulations apply to licensees, green energy generators, or consumers with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more, whether through a single connection or multiple connections aggregating to 100 kW or more within the same electricity division. There are no capacity restrictions for setting up renewable energy projects for captive use concerning the consumer's contracted demand or sanctioned load with distribution companies (Discoms).

The regulations will come into force upon publication and will apply throughout the National Capital Territory of Delhi.