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Rajasthan Unveils GEOA Regulations to Boost RE Adoption

Rajasthan's draft Green Energy Open Access Regulations, 2024, aim to promote renewable energy adoption by offering flexible procurement, green certificates, and energy banking. The regulations expand eligibility to commercial, industrial, and captive consumers, supporting India’s 2030 green energy targets.

October 03, 2024. By EI News Network

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has unveiled a comprehensive draft titled 'RERC (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024’. This draft aims to provide a clear framework for the generation, purchase, and consumption of green energy, promoting the use of renewable sources like solar and wind power, and supporting the State's commitment to a green energy future.

This is a move designed to empower consumers and provide them with greater flexibility in sourcing renewable energy. The regulations specifically classify consumers into different categories based on their energy needs and involvement in green energy procurement. Industrial and commercial consumers with a sanctioned load of 100 kW or more are eligible to access green energy through open access. Smaller consumers, previously excluded from open access, will now be able to procure green energy, offering an inclusive approach to energy transition. Captive consumers, those who generate their own energy, are also allowed to utilise open access to transmit their self-generated renewable energy to the grid without any restrictions.

A significant highlight of the regulations is the introduction of Green Certificates, which will be issued to consumers who go beyond their renewable energy purchase obligations. These certificates will serve as proof of compliance, incentivising consumers to exceed their green energy targets.

The draft also introduces a system of consumer ratings based on the percentage of green energy purchased. The more green energy a consumer procures, the higher their rating will be, promoting responsible energy consumption. The regulations further outline the process for consumers to request green energy from their distribution licensees.

As stated in the draft, “Consumers may elect to purchase green energy either up to a certain percentage of their consumption or their entire consumption.” These consumers can also specify separate requisitions for solar and non-solar energy. The flexibility provided in purchasing green energy, whether for partial or full consumption, is designed to cater to the varying needs of different types of consumers.

The draft further details that the tariff for green energy will be determined separately by the commission, ensuring a fair pricing structure that takes into account the cost components involved in renewable energy generation. Importantly, the regulations provide a framework for banking energy, allowing consumers to bank up to 30 percent of their monthly energy consumption. This energy can be used during times of high demand or low renewable energy generation.

This provision is particularly beneficial for consumers in regions with intermittent renewable energy generation, ensuring a steady supply of green energy throughout the year. For businesses looking to adopt green energy, the draft also specifies the duration of contracts for green energy requisitions.

Any request for green energy from a distribution licensee must be for a minimum period of one year, and the quantum of green energy to be supplied should be pre-specified for that period. In essence, the regulations not only provide flexibility in procurement but also ensure long-term commitments to green energy. In the event of disputes, the draft sets up a clear grievance redressal mechanism. It states, “All disputes and complaints relating to GEOA shall be made to the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), which may investigate and resolve the grievance. If the SLDC is unable to address the issue, it will be referred to the State Power Committee, which will aim to resolve it within 30 days. If unresolved, the matter will be escalated to the Commission for a final, binding decision.”

The regulations also outline the reporting requirements for the State Nodal Agency, which will publish monthly reports on the official website, tracking the performance of green energy open access consumers. These reports will include details such as the name and address of the consumer, the capacity of green energy allowed, and the actual annual utilisation of energy.

Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission's proposed Green Energy Open Access regulations are a significant step forward in promoting renewable energy in the state. The new framework offers flexibility for consumers of all sizes, from small businesses to large industrial consumers, and encourages a transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

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