The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) recently clarified the transfer of transmission charges for hybrid wind-solar power plants. This follows the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, which was notified on May 14, 2018, and later amended on August 13, 2018. The policy outlines conditions for hybridization of existing wind and solar power plants. It states that no additional connectivity or transmission capacity charges will apply if the plant already has access. However, charges may apply if additional transmission capacity is granted under existing regulations.
According to the policy, if there is capacity available at the transmission substation where the wind-solar project connects, additional transmission access may be permitted, provided it is technically feasible. In such cases, any upgrades required to the transmission infrastructure will be the responsibility of the project developer. The policy also specifies that a plant will be considered a hybrid if one resource, either wind or solar, has at least 25% of the rated capacity of the other.
Some stakeholders, including Fourth Partner Energy, sought clarification on how transmission charges would apply to hybrid projects. In response, the Commission issued new orders. For existing power plants where additional solar or wind capacity is added, charges will remain limited to the original contracted transmission capacity, as long as the new capacity does not exceed it. If the new capacity is higher, charges will apply based on the larger of the two capacities, provided the developer secures evacuation approval for the added capacity.
For new hybrid plants, transmission charges will also be based on the higher of the two installed capacities, either wind or solar, with evacuation approval required. In cases where non-collocated wind and solar projects exist, charges will be assessed separately for each resource, according to its installed capacity. The total generation from a hybrid plant should not exceed the contracted capacity.
The Commission emphasized that the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) retains the authority to curtail additional power injections if necessary to ensure grid stability and security. This measure ensures that grid operations remain reliable, even with increased capacity from hybrid plants.
The Commission’s order highlights the importance of technical feasibility and proper approvals in managing transmission access and charges. Developers are expected to bear the costs of any required infrastructure upgrades. These new guidelines aim to streamline the integration of hybrid projects while maintaining grid stability.
The order was signed and issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) in Bangalore on November 25, 2024.
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