Amplus RJ Solar Private Limited, a solar power developer, has taken legal action to secure the right for full energy banking in Uttar Pradesh. The company has set up a 40-MW ground-mounted captive solar power project in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. Despite the regulatory framework allowing for up to 100% energy banking, the current banking agreements have been signed on an interim basis, permitting only 25% of the generated energy to be banked.
Amplus RJ Solar’s Claims:
Amplus RJ Solar asserts that the ability to bank 100% of the generated energy is essential for maximizing the use of the project’s power by captive users. The company has actively pursued a comprehensive banking agreement with the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), the primary respondent. However, the UPPCL has restricted the banking facility to just 25% of the energy generated.
Due to the absence of a formal banking agreement, Amplus RJ Solar has been unable to store surplus energy beyond real-time consumption. This has resulted in significant amounts of unbanked energy. As a remedy, Amplus is requesting a retrospective settlement for the unbanked units of energy dating back to the time of the initial application for the banking agreement.
Amplus’s Appeals:
Amplus RJ Solar is seeking two key outcomes through its petition: such as an order compelling the UPPCL to establish a comprehensive banking agreement that allows for energy banking up to 100%, in compliance with the applicable regulations. An order requiring the UPPCL to account for and retrospectively settle the energy that remained unbanked due to the delays and limitations in the banking agreements.
The Commission’s Response:
The Commission has accepted the petition and instructed Amplus RJ Solar to provide a copy of it to the respondents. Responding to the petition, the respondents are expected to file their counter-affidavit within four weeks. Following that, the petitioner will have a two-week window to submit a rejoinder. The Commission will schedule the next hearing after the respondents have submitted their counter-affidavit.
Amplus RJ Solar’s petition represents a significant step toward addressing issues related to energy banking limitations in Uttar Pradesh. The resolution of this case could have a substantial and lasting impact on the renewable energy sector within the state.
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