HERC Allows Individual Consumers Green Energy Open Access Without Collective Applications In Haryana

The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has clarified that eligible consumers cannot be denied Green Energy Open Access merely because other consumers sharing the same independent feeder do not wish to participate in a collective application. The Commission issued the order while addressing a regulatory implementation issue raised in a petition filed by Avtar Steel Pvt. Ltd., which operates industrial units in Sonipat, Haryana.

Avtar Steel has established a 100% captive solar power plant with an installed capacity of 9 MW in Rewari to supply electricity to its manufacturing facilities. The company sought access to the Green Energy Open Access framework to utilise renewable power for its industrial consumption.

The dispute arose from Clause 16(A)(2) of the Procedure for Grant of Green Energy Open Access. Under this provision, when multiple consumers are connected to an independent feeder, they are generally required to submit a collective application through a group representative. However, Avtar Steel’s industrial units share independent feeders with other consumers who may not wish to participate in open access arrangements.

The distribution utilities, including Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) and Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), raised concerns about allowing individual consumers to access open access through shared independent feeders. They highlighted potential operational and metering difficulties in the absence of a collective application framework.

Avtar Steel argued that making collective applications compulsory would create an unnecessary barrier to renewable energy adoption. The company maintained that individual electricity consumption was already measured and accounted for separately, making it possible to process its application without requiring other consumers on the same feeder to participate.

While examining the petition, HERC rejected the respondents’ preliminary objection regarding its maintainability. The Commission observed that it possesses the necessary regulatory authority to address implementation difficulties and interpret its own regulations.

On the merits, the Commission clarified that the provisions allowing consumers who are not connected to independent feeders to obtain open access, subject to system constraints and power-cut restrictions without compensation, should also apply when some consumers on an independent feeder do not wish to participate in open access.

Accordingly, HERC ruled that an eligible consumer cannot be prevented from obtaining Green Energy Open Access solely because other consumers connected to the same independent feeder decline to join a collective application. Access may be granted subject to the applicant accepting applicable system constraints and power-cut limitations.

The Commission disposed of the petition and directed that all pending and future applications be processed in accordance with its clarifications. The order is expected to remove procedural barriers for eligible industrial consumers seeking renewable electricity through open access in Haryana.