CSERC Approves Open Access Exemption For 50 MW Solar Power Project In Chhattisgarh

APL Apollo Tubes Limited, a company engaged in manufacturing steel pipes and tubes, filed a petition before the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission seeking an exemption from having a dedicated feeder for availing open access to solar power. The company has set up a 50 MW solar PV power project at Village Bhadrali and Tedhadhora in Mungeli district for captive use. The power from this plant is permitted to be evacuated through a 132 kV dedicated feeder connected to the 220/132 kV Mungeli substation, with connectivity permission granted on April 19, 2024. The petitioner stated that the power plant is expected to be synchronized and commissioned by December 2024.

APL Apollo Tubes argued that the amount of solar power drawn for captive use would be minimal, making the construction of a dedicated feeder infeasible. Under Clause 5(5) of the CSERC (Connectivity and Intra-State Open Access) Regulations, 2011, the Commission has the authority to grant exemptions to bulk consumers from the requirement of a dedicated feeder, subject to load restrictions. The petitioner agreed to abide by all conditions imposed by the Commission. It requested approval for open access connectivity through a common distribution feeder of the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) at the captive manufacturing plant’s location.

CSPDCL, the distribution licensee, acknowledged that the petitioner has been permitted to connect its solar plant to the grid. However, it noted that open access is generally allowed only for consumers connected through dedicated feeders unless the Commission grants an exemption. CSPDCL stated that if the exemption is granted, the petitioner must comply with certain conditions, including installing an ABT meter with AMR and RTU for online data communication, accepting load restrictions, and submitting an undertaking not to claim compensation in case of power failure, maintenance, or shutdown.

Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL), the transmission licensee, stated that it had no objection to granting the exemption, provided the petitioner adhered to the same conditions. It confirmed that the transmission of power under open access was technically feasible and that the power could be transmitted from the 220/132 kV Mungeli substation to the 33 kV Borjhara substation.

After reviewing the case, the Commission found that the petitioner met the necessary conditions and agreed to the requirements set by the respondents. The physical verification report, submitted by CSPDCL and CSPTCL after a site visit, confirmed the feasibility of the proposed arrangement. The Commission ruled that APL Apollo Tubes Limited would be exempted from the requirement of a dedicated feeder to avail open access under Clause 5(5) of the Open Access Regulations, 2011, and its amendments. The decision allows the company to proceed with its renewable energy plans while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.