UPERC Proposes Amendments to Open Access Regulations to Boost Green Energy Adoption

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has introduced the draft 'UPERC (Terms and Conditions for Open Access) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024'. The draft is available for review on the Commission’s website for stakeholders, and the public is invited to submit written comments by August 28, 2024, either via post or email.

Further, the government notice informed that the public hearing is scheduled for August 29, 2024, at 15:30 hours at the Commission’s office. The consolidated Principal Regulations and the draft amendments are also accessible on the website for reference.

The proposed amendments seek to refine the existing Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Open Access) Regulations, 2019, to better accommodate recent developments, including the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022.

As per the draft, the primary goal is to simplify and clarify the open access process, particularly for renewable and green energy. Dwelling on the amendments to Regulation 4 of the Principal Regulations the draft said, "In Regulation 4.2, the duration for long-term agreements is updated from 'exceeding 5 years' to 'exceeding 5 years but not exceeding 25 years'. For medium-term agreements, Regulation 4.3 now specifies a duration of 'more than 11 months and up to 3 years,' replacing the previous range of 'more than 3 months and up to 5 years'. Additionally, Regulation 4.4 has been revised to extend the period for short-term agreements from '3 months' to '11 months'.These updates aim to better align the regulations with current needs and practices.

It has introduced new provisos regarding load requirements, captive users, and distribution licensee areas, and clarifies the fees and agreements for Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Consumers. The procedure for short-term open access agreements is also updated, while there is also a clause requiring customers reducing or cancelling their open access capacity and  to pay 75 percent of applicable charges for the period of underutilization, in addition to full charges for the revised capacity.

However, the new Regulation has exempted GEOA Consumers from additional surcharges if fixed charges are paid and waived additional surcharges for offshore wind projects commissioned up to December 2025.

Amendments also  include details about  manual reading requirements, interface meter installations, and consumer responsibilities for metering. The new Regulation has also defined  the role of Lead GEOA Consumers in coordination and compliance.

Lastly, the amendments  also include updates about medium-term green energy open access application procedures and modifications to short-term open access procedures and terminology. These changes are aimed at enhancing clarity, streamlining processes, and aligning with national policies to support renewable energy initiatives. 

Please visit the official website of UPERC for further details.