AERC Eases Green Energy Access With New Open Access Regulations 2025 In Assam

The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has recently introduced amendments to its regulations to encourage the use of renewable energy across the state. These changes are part of the AERC’s efforts to promote “Open Access,” following a petition filed earlier this year regarding existing rules. The new rules, named the AERC (Terms and Conditions for Open Access) Regulations, 2024 (First Amendment), 2025, aim to make it easier for consumers to access green energy.

A key update in the amendments is Regulation 4.3, which allows more consumers to participate in Green Energy Open Access. Under the revised rules, all consumers with a total power demand of 100 kW or more can apply for green energy access. This is significant because smaller consumers in the same electricity division can now combine their power demand to meet the threshold. In such cases, a designated “Lead GEOA Consumer” will represent the group and coordinate the application process.

The rules are even simpler for businesses that generate and use renewable energy for their own operations, known as captive consumption. These businesses can qualify for Green Energy Open Access without any minimum limit on their contracted load or sanctioned load. This provision is intended to remove barriers and encourage companies to use their own renewable power.

To maintain stability in the electricity grid, the Commission has introduced a new requirement. Consumers using Green Energy Open Access must commit to a minimum of 12 time-blocks, which is equivalent to three hours, during which they cannot change the power drawn. This measure is designed to prevent sudden fluctuations in electricity demand, which could otherwise put pressure on the distribution company.

Amendments were also made to Regulation 4.5, which concerns consumers connected via Dedicated Feeders or Common Feeders. Under the new rules, these consumers can access green energy regardless of their voltage supply, provided there are no operating constraints. Consumers connected to a Common Feeder must follow any restrictions imposed by the grid operators and are responsible for upgrading their own energy meters if needed. Importantly, if a common feeder shuts down unexpectedly, consumers cannot claim compensation for financial losses.

The AERC’s amendments signal a move towards modernizing Assam’s power framework. By simplifying the process for obtaining Green Energy Open Access and encouraging captive consumption, the Commission aims to promote the wider use of renewable energy. The rules also strike a balance between flexibility for consumers and stability for the grid, ensuring that growth in green energy does not disrupt the overall power system.

These changes will take effect immediately upon their publication in the Assam Gazette. The Commission’s approach demonstrates a commitment to making renewable energy more accessible, supporting both individual consumers and businesses in adopting sustainable power solutions. The updated regulations are expected to encourage collaboration among smaller consumers, facilitate the use of self-generated renewable energy, and contribute to Assam’s ongoing energy transition.

This reform is part of a broader effort by the state to modernize its electricity supply system and foster a cleaner, more sustainable energy environment. With these amendments, Assam is taking a significant step toward integrating renewable energy more effectively into its electricity network.