The Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission (MSERC) has introduced new regulations focused on the promotion and facilitation of green energy open access within the state. These regulations aim to set clear guidelines for the determination of charges and access conditions for consumers opting for green energy. This move is part of a broader effort to increase the adoption of renewable energy sources, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting environmental sustainability.
The new regulations, officially titled the “Terms and Conditions of Green Energy Open Access,” outline the framework under which consumers can access green energy. These regulations extend to the entire state of Meghalaya and come into force from the date of their notification in the Official Gazette. The primary objective is to establish a systematic approach to determine Open Access and Banking charges for consumers of green energy.
Green energy, as defined in these regulations, includes electricity generated from renewable sources such as small hydro, wind, solar, biomass, and other recognized forms. It also encompasses any mechanism that replaces fossil fuels, such as the production of green hydrogen or green ammonia. The regulations identify green energy open-access consumers as those with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more, excluding captive consumers. These consumers are eligible to receive electricity from green energy sources for their use, provided by a licensee, the government, or any other entity involved in electricity supply.
Open-access consumers are classified based on the duration of their use of the intra-state transmission and/or distribution system. These classifications include long-term (three years or more), medium-term (more than three months but less than three years), and short-term (up to one month) open access. The eligibility for green energy open access is subject to system availability and the specific voltage level to which the consumer is connected.
The nodal agency responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of these regulations is the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) for short-term access for consumers connected at 33 kV and above and the distribution licensee for those connected at 11 kV and below. For medium and long-term access, the State Transmission Utility (STU) is designated as the nodal agency.
The procedure for granting green energy open access includes a requirement for applications to be submitted through a portal managed by the Central Nodal Agency. These applications are processed by the state nodal agency within fifteen days, and approval is granted based on the principle of “first in, first out.” The regulations also specify that short-term and medium-term access will be allowed if there is sufficient spare capacity in the transmission system, while long-term access may require system augmentation.
Charges associated with green energy open access include transmission charges, wheeling charges, cross-subsidy surcharges, standby charges (where applicable), banking charges, and other relevant fees. These charges are determined by the MSERC and are subject to periodic review and adjustment.
The MSERC’s new regulations for green energy open access represent a significant step towards promoting renewable energy usage in Meghalaya. By providing a clear and structured framework for green energy consumption, the regulations aim to facilitate greater adoption of renewable energy sources, thereby contributing to the state’s environmental goals and reducing its carbon footprint.
Please view the document here for more details.
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