In a significant move towards promoting sustainable energy practices, the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has introduced the Green Energy Open Access Regulations 2023. These regulations, set to come into force upon publication in the government gazette, aim to facilitate the connectivity and open access to green energy for intra-state transmission systems, distribution systems, or both, even in conjunction with interstate transmission systems.
The regulations outline the eligibility criteria for entities seeking open access, emphasizing that generating stations, including captive generating plants, must have connectivity to the intra-state transmission or distribution system before applying for long-term, medium-term, or short-term open access. However, a unique provision allows applicants to simultaneously apply for connectivity and open access.
For consumers with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kilowatts or more, the regulations enable green energy open access without limitations, while others, including captive consumers and renewable energy generators, may avail themselves of this access with no specified cap. However, all consumers must maintain approved capacity or schedule for a minimum of 12-time blocks daily.
The Uttarakhand State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC) and the state transmission utility are designated as nodal agencies for short-term (up to 1 month) and medium-to-long-term (3 months to 25 years) green energy open access, respectively. The regulations also mandate a detailed procedure for the grant of connectivity, including application formats, applicable bank guarantees, fees, and charges, to be submitted to the commission for approval within 30 days of the regulations’ notification.
SLDC will play a crucial role in processing and recommending applications within specific time frames, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. The regulations prioritize long-term access in the existing system and grant preference to non-fossil fuel sources over fossil fuels.
To enhance transparency, the regulations mandate that no application for open access can be denied without providing the applicant with an opportunity to be heard. All orders denying open access must be speaking orders, and appeals against nodal agency decisions can be made to the commission within 30 days.
Green energy open-access customers are required to comply with metering regulations, and the methodology for calculating transmission wheeling and cross-subsidy surcharges aligns with existing UERC regulations. Cross-subsidy surcharges for green energy consumers purchasing from renewable sources are capped for the initial 12 years, and exemptions are granted for certain scenarios, such as distribution access for captive generation plants.
The regulations also address banking facilities for consumers availing green energy open access, specifying conditions for surplus energy injection and withdrawal, along with associated charges. Consumers can bank up to 30% of their total monthly consumption, with credits applicable only for the billing cycle.
Additionally, the regulations acknowledge the dynamic nature of energy consumption, allowing flexibility in drawing banked energy during peak and non-peak hours, subject to specified charges. Exceptions are made for green hydrogen and ammonia production, as well as electricity generated from offshore wind projects commissioned up to December 2032.
In conclusion, the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission’s Green Energy Open Access Regulations 2023 represent a pivotal step towards fostering a sustainable and inclusive energy landscape. By providing a comprehensive framework for connectivity, open access, and banking facilities, the regulations aim to facilitate the seamless integration of green energy into Uttarakhand’s power ecosystem while ensuring fairness, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
Please view the document below for more details.
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