A petition has been filed by the Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd (KSEB Ltd) seeking approval for the detailed procedure to implement the KSERC (Renewable Energy and Net Metering) Regulations, 2020, and its subsequent amendments. The petition, labeled as OP 56/2023, was deliberated upon during a hearing held on December 14, 2023, at the Commission’s Court Hall. Representatives from KSEB Ltd, including Shri. Rajan M.P and Smt. Latha S.V, appeared during the hearing to present their case.
During the hearing, KSEB Ltd highlighted Regulation 63 of the RE Regulations 2020, which authorizes the board, in coordination with the State Transmission Utility (STU), to develop and submit detailed procedures for implementing the regulations. Regulation 18 outlines the process for granting feasibility certificates to renewable energy (RE) systems seeking connection under net metering facilities. However, it does not specify the procedure for systems with capacities exceeding 1MW or for captive consumers. In response, KSEB Ltd proposed extending the existing procedure to cover these categories as well.
KSEB Ltd proposed an application fee of Rs 1000 along with the feasibility certificate application, consistent with Regulation 18. Additionally, they presented a format for granting feasibility certificates to applicants and outlined procedures for registration, installation, and testing of RE systems.
The Commission directed KSEB Ltd to revise the detailed procedure for compliance with the regulations and its amendments by January 31, 2024. They emphasized the need for online facilitation of all application processes, suggesting that KSEB Ltd reduce timelines for activities considering technological advancements.
Furthermore, KSEB Ltd was advised to streamline procedures for different subsidy programs, such as the KSEBL Soura Scheme and the MNRE Direct Subsidy Program, and to ensure clear billing statements for consumers, including details of solar generation and energy consumption.
The commission also highlighted the importance of updating an online database of installed RE systems, including monthly generation data, to enhance transparency and accountability.
During the hearing, concerns were raised about the verbatim reproduction of regulations without due consideration. KSEB Ltd was urged to incorporate stakeholders’ suggestions and rectify any oversights in the revised procedure. The final hearing on the petition will be scheduled after KSEB Ltd submits the revised detailed procedure for implementing the regulations and addresses the concerns raised during the hearing.
Please view the document below for more details.
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