Assam Electricity Commission Amends 2024 Open Access Rules To Promote Renewable Energy

The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has issued its first amendment to the 2024 regulations governing open access to the state’s electricity grid. The update, effective from the date of its publication in the Assam Gazette, is designed to promote renewable energy adoption and simplify access for a broader range of electricity consumers. The amendment follows a petition filed with the Commission, which sought revisions to specific sections of the original regulations. After review, the Commission revised two key provisions and introduced a new definition to support the growing interest in green energy.

The first major change affects Regulation 4.3, which pertains to Green Energy Open Access (GEOA). Under the updated regulation, consumers with a total contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more can now access green energy. This is a notable expansion as it allows multiple electricity connections to be combined under a single representative, known as a “Lead GEOA Consumer,” to meet the minimum load requirement. This aggregation is permitted as long as all connections are within the same electricity division. Additionally, the regulation clarifies that there is no load limit for consumers using green energy for their own captive consumption. To ensure grid stability, the regulation introduces a requirement for consumers to maintain a consistent power consumption level for at least 12 consecutive fifteen-minute time blocks, preventing sharp fluctuations in demand that could affect the system.

The second change involves Regulation 4.5, which now permits open access for consumers connected through either a dedicated or a common feeder, provided there are no operational limitations. Consumers on common feeders must comply with energy accounting and system operation guidelines issued by the State Nodal Agency. They are also required to adhere to any restrictions imposed by the electricity licensee or other regulatory authorities and bear the cost of upgrading their energy meters. A significant addition to this regulation is that consumers connected via common feeders will not be eligible for financial compensation in case of an unforeseen shutdown, clarifying responsibilities and risk allocation.

In addition to these regulatory revisions, the Commission has introduced a new definition under Clause 76. A “Lead GEOA Consumer” is now recognized as an authorized representative who coordinates on behalf of a group of Green Energy Open Access consumers. This representative enables the aggregation of multiple smaller connections to collectively meet the 100 kW minimum requirement, allowing smaller consumers to participate more easily in the green energy initiative. By formalizing this role, the regulation ensures smoother coordination and communication with the grid operator and other authorities.

These amendments highlight the Commission’s efforts to make open access more accessible and efficient while encouraging renewable energy adoption across Assam. By enabling multiple consumers to combine their demand, permitting access via common feeders, and defining the role of a Lead GEOA Consumer, the regulations now offer clearer pathways for both large and small consumers to utilize green energy. The changes are expected to drive growth in renewable energy participation, streamline operational processes, and support Assam’s transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable electricity system.