CSERC Approves Open Access Without Dedicated Feeder For Captive Solar Power Use In Chhattisgarh

M/s KPS Agro Metals LLP, along with M/s KPS Aluminium & Glass Pvt. Ltd., filed a petition before the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission. They requested an exemption from the requirement of having a dedicated feeder for availing long-term open access under clause 5(5) of the CSERC (Connectivity and Intra-State Open Access) Regulations, 2011.

KPS Agro Metals LLP has set up a 1.5 MW solar power project in Village Girhola, Tehsil Ahiwara, District Durg. The power from this project is planned to be injected into the 33/11 KV Girhola substation of CSPDCL. The company was granted grid connectivity by CSPDCL on 4th March 2025. The co-petitioner, KPS Aluminium and Glass Pvt. Ltd. operates a manufacturing unit at Ahiwara with a contract demand of 650 KVA. It receives electricity from a 33 KV multi-consumer feeder connected to the 132/33 KV Remoulding Bhilai-3 substation.

Both the injection and drawl points fall under the same distribution licensee’s jurisdiction. The petitioners claimed that there would be no involvement in intra-state transmission and requested to be allowed open access through a common distribution feeder rather than a dedicated one. They agreed to set up online data communication with the SLDC and install necessary metering equipment. They also accepted any load restrictions that CSPDCL might impose and assured compliance with other conditions the Commission may find suitable. Additionally, they offered to surrender their existing 500 KW rooftop solar net metering facility.

CSPDCL responded by acknowledging that the petitioner is already connected for solar PV power injection and pointed out the need to surrender the existing net metering facility before using the new 1.5 MW solar project. CSPDCL cited the Open Access Regulations which allow bulk consumers not connected via dedicated feeders to apply for open access only if exempted by the Commission. The distribution company laid out several conditions for granting this exemption, including the installation of ABT meters with AMR and RTU for online data sharing, and the submission of an undertaking from the petitioner regarding service interruptions and load restrictions.

CSPTCL, the transmission licensee, stated they had no objections to the exemption, provided the petitioners fulfilled the same technical and compliance requirements. They clarified that while the transmission network would be involved, the system had the feasibility to support the power transfer from the solar plant to the manufacturing unit.

After reviewing the submissions, the Commission concluded that the exemption from a dedicated feeder could be granted. They noted that the petitioners agreed to meet all the stipulated conditions, including surrendering the net metering facility. Hence, the Commission decided to allow the exemption in accordance with clause 5(5) of the Open Access Regulations, 2011, and its amendments.