The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has taken a significant step in amending its existing regulations concerning the determination of generation tariff and related matters for electricity generated by plants based on renewable energy sources. The proposed amendments, titled “Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Generation Tariff and Related Matters for Electricity Generated by Plants Based on Renewable Energy Sources) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2023,” aim to align with the evolving landscape of renewable energy policies and practices.
Empowered by the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, the CSERC has initiated the drafting of these amendments, exercising its authority under sections 61, 86, and 181 of the Act. The draft is now open for feedback and suggestions from stakeholders and the public until January 1, 2024, with a scheduled hearing on January 3, 2024, at 11:30 am in the Commission’s office.
The current move follows the enactment of the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Generation Tariff and Related Matters for Electricity Generated by Plants Based on Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations, 2022 (CSERC RE Regulations 2022), which laid down the tariff conditions for various renewable energy projects.
In a subsequent development, the Ministry of Power, Government of India, introduced the Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules, 2022 (LPS Rules 2022) on June 3, 2022, outlining the modalities for late payment surcharge. The CSERC, aligning with these rules, issued an order on October 18, 2022, emphasizing the need to harmonize existing regulations with the provisions of the LPS Rules 2022.
The proposed amendments, titled Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Generation Tariff and Related Matters for Electricity Generated by Plants Based on Renewable Energy Sources) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2023, are slated to come into force upon publication and will remain effective until March 31, 2025. The regulations will apply to all renewable energy-based generating stations established in Chhattisgarh.
Key provisions of the proposed amendments include adjustments to working capital requirements for different types of renewable energy projects, specifying computation criteria for wind energy projects, small hydro power, solar PV, solar thermal power projects, biomass power projects, biogas-based power projects, non-fossil fuel-based co-generation projects, municipal solid waste projects, and refuse-derived fuel projects.
Moreover, the amendments propose changes to the late payment surcharge mechanism, stipulating that in case of delayed payment beyond 45 days from the billing date, a late payment surcharge will be imposed by the generating company in accordance with relevant orders or regulations issued by the Commission. These regulatory initiatives reflect the commitment of the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission to adapt to the dynamic renewable energy landscape and foster a conducive environment for sustainable energy development in the state.
Please view the document below for more details.
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