M/s Clean Coal Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., along with M/s Zodiac Dealers Private Ltd., 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 petitioners aimed to draw solar power from their 4.5 MW solar power plant located at Village Sitapar, Simga, in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district. This power would be injected into the 33 kV substation at Village Hathbandh and distributed to two locations: Rama World Commercial Building in Bilaspur and Village Gatora, Masturi, in Bilaspur district. The petitioners argued that since the injection and drawl points fall within the same distribution licensee’s system, no intra-state transmission network would be involved. They requested long-term open access without the need for constructing a dedicated feeder.
The petitioners cited Clause 5(5) of the CSERC (Connectivity and Intra-State Open Access) Regulations, 2011, which allows the Commission to grant exemptions from having a dedicated feeder under certain conditions. They committed to installing ABT meters with AMR and RTU for online data communication, agreeing not to make claims in case of power failures, maintenance, or shutdowns. They also undertook to submit these commitments to the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) and the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL).
CSPDCL, the distribution licensee, acknowledged that the petitioners were permitted to connect their solar plant to the grid but noted that open access is generally allowed only for consumers connected through dedicated feeders. However, the regulations permit the Commission to grant exemptions. CSPDCL stated that any exemption should be conditional on compliance with metering regulations, agreement to load restrictions, and submission of undertakings regarding maintenance and shutdown conditions.
CSPTCL, the transmission licensee, stated that it had no objection to granting the exemption, provided the petitioners adhered to the same conditions. It confirmed that transmission of power under open access was technically feasible.
The Commission reviewed the case and the physical verification report submitted by CSPDCL and CSPTCL after a site visit. The Commission found that the petitioners met the necessary conditions and agreed to all requirements set by the respondents. It ruled that the exemption from a dedicated feeder could be granted, allowing the petitioners to avail open access under Clause 5(5) of the Open Access Regulations, 2011, and its amendments. The decision enables the petitioners to proceed with their renewable energy plans while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
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