Essential Procedures For Open Access In Tamil Nadu’s Transmission And Distribution Systems

In Tamil Nadu, the process for open access in transmission and distribution systems is governed by Regulation 43 of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (TNERC) Grid Connectivity and Intra-State Open Access Regulations, 2014. This detailed procedure outlines the steps and requirements for customers seeking to use the state’s transmission and distribution networks for open access, in addition to any inter-state systems they may also be utilizing.

Under these regulations, open-access customers must pay for the use of both intra-state and inter-state systems. This involves the payment of transmission charges and wheeling charges as set by the Commission. The regulations emphasize that applicants must adhere to the Electricity Act, 2003, and any related rules and orders issued by the Commission. This includes compliance with all relevant procedures and requirements for captive-generating plants, co-generating plants, and renewable energy plants.

Energy accounting and settlement for open access are conducted in 15-minute intervals, as specified by the Commission’s orders and regulations. For captive-generating plants, there is a requirement to verify their status, maintain necessary documentation, and adhere to the rules for proving captive status. After the financial year ends, details must be submitted to the distribution licensee to confirm this status.

Generators and consumers must apply for consent from the concerned Superintending Engineer (SE) or Electricity Distribution Circle (EDC) to verify service connection details and outstanding dues. If feasible, consent may be issued within three working days. However, if consent cannot be granted, the SE/EDC must inform the applicant within two working days. Consent from the distribution licensee is mandatory for all consumers and generators, regardless of voltage level, when applying for open access.

Generators must also establish their captive status and obtain concurrence to operate as a Captive Generating Plant (CGP) from the nodal agency of the distribution company. They need to submit their application along with the required documents for energy wheeling or sale to the distribution licensee. If the application is found to be in order, approval will be granted within 30 days, detailing the captive consumers, shareholding pattern, and approved quantum for wheeling.

Upon receiving approval, the CGP holder must execute an Energy Wheeling Agreement (EWA) or an Energy Purchase Agreement (EPA) with the distribution licensee within 15 days. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the application. All processes related to open access, including certificate uploads and application submissions, are expected to be handled online within three months of the procedure’s issue.

The minimum quantum of power for sale through open access is determined by the Intra-State Open Access Regulations. Consumers are required to pay for net energy consumed during the billing month at applicable rates. Adjustments of energy are done according to the Intra-State DSM regulations, and power factor disincentives, reactive energy charges, and harmonics penalties follow the Commission’s orders.

The regulations also stipulate that all parties must adhere to the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, and any relevant regulations, notifications, and orders. For different types of generating projects, such as fossil fuel-based, wind energy, solar photovoltaic, and small hydro projects, specific interconnection points are defined.

Terms and conditions for open access include having a valid grid connectivity agreement and obtaining necessary clearances from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) before injecting power into the grid. Unauthorized power injection without proper agreements will be considered a violation, with no payments made for such energy.

The process for long-term open access involves submitting an application to the nodal agency, paying the application fee, and providing a bank guarantee. The application is processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the nodal agency conducts system studies to assess transmission system adequacy. The grant of open access is provisional until all agreements and guarantees are finalized. Extensions of long-term open access require a written request six months before the expiry of the existing access period.

Overall, the procedure ensures that all generating companies, captive plants, and consumers comply with regulatory requirements and maintain proper agreements for using the transmission and distribution systems in Tamil Nadu.