The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has approved the detailed procedure for granting Green Energy Open Access in the state, marking an important step towards promoting renewable energy usage. This decision was finalized in an Order dated December 12, 2025, by a Coram consisting of the Chairman and Member. The approval comes in response to Petition No. 2357/2025 concerning the Draft Procedure submitted by the State Transmission Utility, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd (RVPNL).
The background of this decision lies in the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2025, also known as the GEOA Regulations, which were notified on May 21, 2025, and published in the Official Gazette on July 17, 2025. As per Regulation 6(iii) of these regulations, the concerned Nodal Agency, which is RVPNL, was required to submit a detailed procedure for the grant of Green Energy Open Access for the Commission’s approval. This procedure is intended to streamline the process of open access for green energy consumers and align it with the objectives of the Electricity Act, 2003.
In compliance with the regulations, RVPNL submitted its Draft Procedure to the Commission on August 28, 2025. Following this, RERC directed RVPNL, through a letter dated August 29, 2025, to publish the draft and invite suggestions or objections from stakeholders. The draft was subsequently published on September 2, 2025, in newspapers and on RVPNL’s website, providing stakeholders a deadline of September 17, 2025, to submit feedback. Stakeholders, including the Forum of Regulators, the Solar Power Developers Association, and other industry participants, submitted their suggestions and objections, which were considered in the Commission’s hearing held on November 14, 2025.
The Commission reviewed the Draft Procedure and observed that it largely conformed with the GEOA Regulations and the objective of promoting open access for green energy. However, RERC identified certain provisions that required modifications for clarity, consistency, and to prevent undue restrictions on consumers seeking open access. The Commission highlighted several key changes in its final Order.
One major clarification is that Green Energy Open Access consumers will be exempt from general power cuts imposed on regular consumers, although they will remain subject to the curtailment policy defined under the GEOA Regulations and the Procedure. The Commission also removed a provision allowing Distribution Licensees to refuse banking of surplus power, clarifying that banking will follow the applicable RERC Banking Regulations.
Other important provisions include the payment of reactive energy charges by Open Access consumers as per the Commission’s scheme. The application process is also clearly outlined: applications must be filed with the Nodal Agency, RVPNL, and routed through the concerned Discom, which is required to check for any outstanding dues within seven working days. The application fees are set at Rs. 5,000 for High Tension (HT) consumers and Rs. 10,000 for Extra High Tension (EHT) consumers. Applicants are also required to submit an undertaking stating they have not been declared insolvent or bankrupt and that they have no dues pending for more than two months.
Following the Order, RVPNL is mandated to issue the final Procedure incorporating all the specified modifications within three days. This approval is expected to provide a clear framework for green energy open access in Rajasthan, enabling consumers and developers to benefit from renewable energy while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The move is seen as a significant step in facilitating the adoption of green energy and strengthening the state’s renewable energy infrastructure.
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