CSERC Allows Exemption From Dedicated Feeder For Captive Solar Open Access In Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission has passed an order on September 15, 2025, in response to a petition filed by M/s Radiant Coal Benefication Pvt. Ltd. The company, engaged in coal washery services, also operates a 1.54 MW solar PV power project for captive use in Ratanpur, Bilaspur district. The petitioner had sought exemption from maintaining a dedicated feeder for availing open access, under clause 5(5) of the CSERC Connectivity and Intra-State Open Access Regulations, 2011 and its 2012 amendment, and under section 86(1)(e) of the Electricity Act, 2003.

Radiant Coal Benefication argued that since the drawl of solar power for captive use would be negligible, maintaining a dedicated feeder would not be feasible. The company requested approval to use a common distribution feeder of the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) for its captive plant located at Baloda in Janjgir-Champa district. It assured the commission that it would provide data communication facilities to the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), install necessary metering systems, and comply with any load restrictions or other conditions imposed.

CSPDCL, the distribution licensee, in its reply pointed out that under existing regulations, open access is permitted only through dedicated feeders with data communication links to SLDC. However, it noted that the commission may grant exemptions to bulk consumers for valid reasons. CSPDCL agreed to the exemption provided that the petitioner installs ABT meters with AMR and RTU systems at the drawl point, accepts that no claims will be entertained during feeder failures or shutdowns, and submits an undertaking agreeing to these conditions.

The Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL), the transmission licensee, also expressed no objection to the request. It echoed similar conditions, including the installation of proper metering and communication systems and acceptance of load restrictions or feeder shutdowns without claims. CSPTCL confirmed the technical feasibility of transmitting power from the Mahamaya substation, where the solar project is connected, to the Baloda substation where the captive load is located.

After reviewing submissions from all parties, the commission observed that the regulations do allow exemptions from dedicated feeders in appropriate cases. Since the petitioner had agreed to comply with all the conditions laid down by CSPDCL and CSPTCL, the commission ruled in its favor. The order stated that Radiant Coal Benefication’s captive plant would be exempted from the requirement of a dedicated feeder to avail open access, subject to full compliance with the conditions specified by the respondents.

This decision offers flexibility to smaller solar captive projects where a dedicated feeder is impractical. By allowing open access through a shared feeder under strict conditions, the commission has provided a practical balance between regulatory compliance and promoting renewable energy use in captive industrial operations. The ruling underscores the regulatory body’s willingness to adapt open access norms for renewable energy integration while safeguarding operational and technical requirements of the state’s power system.