Government Launches PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana With New Vendor Rating Programme To Boost Rooftop Solar Adoption
The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched by the Government of India on 29th February 2024, aims to install rooftop solar plants in 10 million households by 2026-27, with a budget of ₹75,021 crore. Managed by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs), the scheme provides subsidies for installations by registered vendors. A Vendor Rating Programme (VRP) evaluates vendors based on consumer feedback, quality, and techno-financial assessments to ensure reliable and high-quality solar installations.
Adani Green Energy Secures Connectivity For 9,500 MW Renewable Project Amid Regulatory Changes
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) sought clarification on regulations for a 9,500 MW solar, wind, or hybrid park project in Khavda, Gujarat. They previously secured 5,400 MW connectivity at Khavda Pooling Stations KPS-1 and KPS-3 but faced regulatory changes. AGEL applied for the remaining 4,100 MW, ensuring no competition at the pooling stations. The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) reviewed and prioritized AGEL’s applications. With all concerns addressed, the petition was closed, requiring no further action.
RERC Introduces New Amendments For Grid Interactive Renewable Energy Systems 2024
The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has amended the Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems Regulations for 2024. Key changes include allowing educational institutions to switch from net metering to Net Billing for any two months annually and requiring technical feasibility studies within fifteen days for renewable energy system applications. The amendments also streamline connection finalization post-installation. The public had the opportunity to comment until July 22, 2024, with a hearing on July 23. The finalized regulations will be published in the Official Gazette and communicated to stakeholders.
Rajasthan Boosts Agricultural Sustainability With Solar Power: Insights From The PM-KUSUM Scheme
Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) sought approval from the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission for the levelized tariff for solar projects under the PM-KUSUM Scheme, aimed at providing sustainable energy for agriculture. The petition, heard on July 23, 2024, with an order on July 26, 2024, details AVVNL’s role as a distribution licensee. Since its launch in March 2019, the scheme has seen amendments, including waiving domestic content requirements and exempting solar PV modules from the ALMM. In 2024, AVVNL issued tenders for solarization projects, attracting significant bids and rigorous evaluations.
Operational Guidelines And Incentives For Discoms Under The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
Launched on 29th February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore households by FY 2026-27 with a ₹75,021 crore budget. Managed by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs), DISCOMs ensure timely inspections, vendor management, and net meter availability. The scheme provides incentives for DISCOMs and rewards for top-performing officials, promoting consumer awareness and regulatory mechanisms to boost residential solar energy adoption across India.
Gujarat Proposes Fourth Amendment To Net Metering Regulations For Rooftop Solar Systems Up To 100 KW
The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission has introduced amendments to the net metering regulations for rooftop solar PV systems. Distribution licensees must update transformer capacity annually, with infrastructure costs covered under the Annual Revenue Requirement for systems up to 6 kW. For larger installations, charges are based on per kW or per KVA rates. The amendments mandate a minimum of 1 kW capacity and outline a streamlined process with set timelines for registration, approvals, and installation, promoting efficient solar power integration and sustainable energy growth in Gujarat.
Kerala’s New Draft Regulation Enhances Forecasting And Scheduling for Wind-Solar Hybrid Projects
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has introduced a draft regulation to enhance the forecasting and scheduling of hybrid renewable projects in the state. This regulation requires developers to submit detailed day-ahead and intra-day forecasts and schedules to the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), using advanced forecasting tools. It aims to balance supply and demand, improve grid stability, and reduce penalties for significant deviations. The regulation also emphasizes capacity building for better integration of renewable energy into Kerala’s power grid.
RERC’s Path To Grid Stability: Rajasthan’s Pursuit Of 1,000 MW Pump Storage Energy Solutions
The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) received a petition from Rajasthan Urja Vikas & IT Service Limited for approval of a 1,000 MW/6,000 MWh long-term pump storage solution connected to the Central Transmission Utility (CTU). This request follows Rajasthan’s plan to procure power from wind-solar hybrid projects to meet energy and Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) needs. The Commission directed the issuance of a Request for Proposal and allowed an extension to align with new guidelines and finalize the resource adequacy plan.
MERC Approves MSEDCL’s Combined Bidding For 1,600 MW Thermal And 5,000 MW Solar Power
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL) filed a petition with the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) on July 19, 2024, seeking approval for a combined bidding process for 1,600 MW of thermal and 5,000 MW of solar power. MSEDCL issued an addendum on June 30, 2024, to align with bidding guidelines, allowing bids up to 2,500 MW. During a July 23, 2024, e-hearing, the Commission acknowledged compliance with solar procurement guidelines and approved the combined bidding process. This decision supports MSEDCL’s energy procurement and renewable energy initiatives.
NTPC Secures Tariff Approval For 1,080 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Projects Through Competitive Bidding
NTPC Limited filed a petition to adopt a tariff for procuring 1,080 MW from wind-solar hybrid power projects connected to the Inter-State Transmission System. The competitive bidding process initiated on July 19, 2023, attracted bids totaling 1,380 MW. Following a financial bid opening and e-reverse auction, NTPC awarded contracts to Solalite Power, Sprng Energy, ACME Cleantech, and Juniper Green Energy. Despite internal delays, NTPC sought tariff adoption. The Commission confirmed the process’s adherence to guidelines, approving tariffs of ₹3.35 and ₹3.36 per kWh, ensuring regulatory certainty and timely project execution.
MSPGCL Withdraws Petition For 100 MW Solar Project Transfer Following PSA Termination
MSPGCL recently sought approval to transfer a 100 MW solar PV project under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana to MAHAPREIT. However, MSPGCL’s petition, filed on June 13, 2023, was impacted by MSEDCL’s termination of the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) on June 12, 2024. MSEDCL established MSEB Solar Agro Power Ltd (MSAPL) to manage the MSKVY 2.0 scheme, including the solarization of substations covered by the PSA. Consequently, MSPGCL requested to withdraw the petition, which the Commission approved.
RERC Approves JVVNL’s Competitive Bidding Tariff For 116.33 MW Solar Projects Under PM-KUSUM Scheme
The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) reviewed Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited’s (JVVNL) petition for approving levelized tariffs discovered through competitive bidding for 116.33 MW solar projects under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The scheme supports feeder-level solarization, offering financial aid for installation. JVVNL sought tariff approval for projects solarizing agriculture pumps. The RERC set a ceiling tariff of ₹3.55 per unit for Component C. JVVNL’s efforts include innovative bidding and collaboration through the Saur Krishi Ajivika Yojna to enhance solar power deployment.
RERC Introduces New Amendments For Grid Interactive Renewable Energy Systems 2024
The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has updated the Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems Regulations for 2024. Key amendments include allowing educational institutions to switch from net metering to Net Billing fo1r two months annually to manage energy use. The revised regulations also streamline the application process, requiring technical feasibility studies to be completed in 15 days and speeding up the connection finalization process. Additional provisions address subsidy application issues and name mismatches for rural consumers. The finalized regulations will be published in the Official Gazette and communicated to stakeholders.
Haryana Simplifies Rooftop Solar Rules With Key Amendments: Faster Approvals And Easier Installations Ahead
The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) reviewed a petition from Rajasthan Urja Vikas & IT Service Limited (RUVITL) seeking approval for 1,000 MW of solar power procurement. After an e-Reverse Auction on May 4, 2023, the lowest tariff was ₹2.61 per kWh. RUVITL’s board approved the issuance of Letters of Award, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) were signed. The petition aims for RERC’s approval to finalize this procurement, critical for meeting Rajasthan’s Renewable Energy Purchase Obligations and energy demands.
Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission Introduces Draft Tariff Regulations 2024 For Renewable Energy
The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) will implement new regulations, “Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources, 2024,” on July 1, 2024. Effective until March 31, 2027, these regulations promote renewable energy by establishing fair, project-specific tariffs for various renewable sources. The guidelines ensure transparency and accountability, encouraging investment and development in Assam’s renewable energy sector, and contributing to a sustainable and resilient energy system.
GERC Reviews PGVCL’s Petition For 259 MW Solar Power Tariff Approval Under PM-KUSUM-C Scheme
The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) reviewed Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited’s (PGVCL) petition for tariff approval for 101 solar power plants (259.0 MW) under the PM-KUSUM-C Scheme. The GERC emphasized public participation, directing PGVCL to issue notices and upload relevant documents online. The next hearing is set for August 8, 2024. This initiative aims to enhance solarization, support agriculture, and align with India’s renewable energy goals.
MERC First Amendment Regulations 2024 With Improved Forecasting And Scheduling For Solar And Wind Generation
On December 22, 2023, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) published the Draft MERC Forecasting, Scheduling, and Deviation Settlement for Solar and Wind Generation First Amendment Regulations, 2023, seeking stakeholder input by January 22, 2024. After reviewing 24 submissions, MERC finalized the regulations, addressing concerns and retaining key provisions. The final amendment includes detailed Trial Mode operations, SLDC responsibilities for transparency, and revised deviation charge procedures. This amendment aims to improve forecasting and scheduling for renewable energy in Maharashtra.
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