The purpose of these regulations is to facilitate non-discriminatory open access to green energy, including renewable energy, within the Delhi’s intra-state transmission and distribution systems. This applies to the entire state and includes systems that are part of interstate transmission. The regulations also cover the determination of various charges for consumers who use green energy through open access. The aim is to promote the use of green energy while ensuring that the infrastructure and financial aspects are managed effectively.
The regulations provide clear definitions to ensure everyone understands the terms used. For instance, “Applicant” refers to anyone seeking green energy open access, which can be a consumer, trading licensee, distribution licensee, or generating company. “Banking” involves storing surplus green energy in the grid, which consumers can later use, although they may have to pay certain charges for this service. “Captive Generating Plant” (CGP) refers to power plants primarily set up for the owner’s use, and these plants must adhere to specific legal conditions.
The scope of the regulations includes all electricity generated from green energy sources, including non-fossil fuel-based municipal solid waste-to-energy plants. The criteria for allowing green energy open access are based on the capacity and demand, with long-term access granted according to transmission planning criteria and short-term access depending on available margins in the system.
Consumers eligible for green energy open access are those with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of at least 100 kW. There are no capacity restrictions for setting up renewable energy projects for captive use. The regulations require consumers to install appropriate energy meters for accurate energy accounting. Consumers must also ensure they have no outstanding dues with the relevant licensees.
The categorization of green energy open access includes long-term, medium-term, and short-term access. Long-term access ranges from 7 to 25 years, medium-term from 3 months to 5 years, and short-term up to one month. Each type of access has specific requirements and procedures, including application processes and necessary documentation.
For day-ahead transactions, applications must be submitted to the central portal, and the state nodal agency will check for system congestion and grant approval. Consumers must pay a non-refundable processing fee for each transaction and ensure the payment of applicable charges before the transaction is scheduled.
The regulations also address the relinquishment of open access rights. Long-term consumers who wish to give up their rights must provide a one-year notice and may have to pay compensation. Medium-term consumers must give a 30-day notice and pay charges for the shorter relinquishment period of 30 days. Short-term consumers can cancel or revise their schedules with a two-day notice, paying charges for the first two days of cancellation or revision.
To manage system constraints, the regulations prioritize curtailment of service, starting with short-term open-access consumers and moving up to long-term consumers if necessary. Distribution licensees are the last to be curtailed.
Dispute resolution involves the concerned state nodal agency, which will handle complaints and disputes. Applicants denied open access have the right to be heard, and all denials must be explained in writing. Appeals can be made to the commission, which must resolve them within three months.
Metering requirements include providing ABT-compliant meters for consumers with a contract demand of 1 MW and above. Consumers using less than 1 MW must install special energy meters capable of recording energy in 15-minute intervals. Meters must be maintained in good condition and accessible for inspection.
Banking facilities allow consumers to store surplus green energy, which can be drawn later, subject to certain charges. Banking is done on a 15-minute time block basis, and the unutilized surplus is considered lapsed at the end of each billing cycle.
Other charges include transmission and wheeling charges, cross-subsidy surcharges, additional surcharges, standby charges, and other fees related to scheduling, deviation settlement, and meter reading. Payment security mechanisms, such as letters of credit or bank guarantees, must be in place to ensure the payment of these charges. Overall, the regulations aim to promote the use of green energy through a well-defined and transparent process, ensuring that all parties involved understand their rights and obligations. They also ensure the financial and operational stability of the state’s transmission and distribution systems while supporting the broader goal of increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
Please view the document here for more details.
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