Central Government Introduces Amendments to Promote Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access

In an exercise of its authority under the Electricity Act, 2003, the Central Government has issued the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023. These rules, which amend the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, aim to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy sources and enhance access to green energy.

According to the amended rules, an “entity” is now defined as a consumer with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more, either through a single connection or multiple connections totaling 100 kW or more within the same electricity division of a distribution licensee, excluding captive consumers. Captive consumers, however, are exempt from load limitations.

Additionally, the eligibility for Green Energy Open Access is limited to consumers with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more, either through a single connection or multiple connections totaling 100 kW or more within the same electricity division of a distribution licensee. For captive consumers availing power through Green Energy Open Access, there is no limit on the supply of power.

Furthermore, the amendment states that additional surcharges will not be applicable to electricity produced from offshore wind projects commissioned until December 2032 and supplied to Open Access Consumers.

These amendments reflect the government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy and creating a conducive environment for the adoption of green energy practices. The Principal Rules were initially published on June 6, 2022, and this latest amendment follows the previous amendment notified on January 27, 2023.