In recent developments, M/s Avinash Developers Pvt. Ltd., a registered company engaged in solar PV power development, sought an exemption to avoid the need for a dedicated feeder. This request is specifically for facilitating long-term access to solar power for their captive users. The primary focus is on their 3 MW (AC) capacity solar power generating plant located in Village-Goukheda, Tehsil-Tilda, District-Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
The company has another solar power plant in the same location with a capacity of 6.25 MWp (AC), which became operational on December 13, 2022. The connectivity agreement for this plant was executed on February 6, 2024. The newer 3 MW plant is expected to be synchronized and commissioned by mid-April 2024. Avinash Developers aims to utilize this solar power across two of its facilities: Magnato The Mall, with a 3000 KVA contract demand, and Club Parasio, with a 350 KVA contract demand. The proposed distribution is 1.8 MW to Magnato The Mall and 1.2 MW to Club Parasio.
The Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) and the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL) are the respondents in this case. CSPDCL is responsible for the distribution, while CSPTCL handles transmission in the state
In their submission, CSPDCL acknowledged that Avinash Developers intend to draw solar power from the CSPDCL grid for their remote facilities. They noted that regulations generally require connectivity through a dedicated feeder with online data communication to the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC). However, exceptions can be made if the commission records reasons in writing and the conditions for such an exemption are met.
The key conditions put forward by CSPDCL include the installation of appropriate metering and data communication equipment, agreeing not to claim any issues due to failure or maintenance of the feeder, and submitting an undertaking about these conditions to both CSPDCL and CSPTCL.
CSPTCL, in their response, did not object to the exemption request, provided the necessary conditions were met, such as installing ABT meters and ensuring no claims for power outages due to feeder maintenance.
Upon reviewing the submissions and considering the existing provisions, the commission found that Avinash Developers’ captive user, Magnato The Mall, had previously been granted an exemption from having a dedicated feeder for their 6.25 MW plant. The commission saw no reason to deny the current request, as the company had agreed to fulfill the conditions set by CSPDCL and CSPTCL.
Additionally, for Club Parasio, which has a 350 KVA contract demand, the commission cited the regulations allowing for exemptions from dedicated feeders and certain equipment for solar generating plants with capacities up to 500 kW. Given that Avinash Developers’ plant meets these criteria and the commission had previously granted similar exemptions, the request was deemed reasonable.
The commission decided that Avinash Developers Pvt. Ltd. could be exempted from having a dedicated feeder for their 3 MW solar power plant, allowing them to draw power through open access for their captive users. This decision is contingent upon meeting the specified conditions, and ensuring compliance with the established regulations.
Please view the document here for more details.
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