Bihar to Lower Green Energy Open Access Eligibility Limit to 100 kW
The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has proposed to lower the open access threshold to 100 kW for Green Energy Open Access (GEOA), capping surcharges, and promoting renewable energy integration across the state.
December 19, 2024. By Mrinmoy Dey
The draft BERC (Terms and Conditions of Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024, outlines guidelines for open access consumers, renewable developers, and distribution licensees, ensuring transparency and smoother operations.
The proposed regulations allow consumers with a sanctioned load or contract demand of 100 kW or more to procure renewable energy through the open access channel. It has been lowered from earlier load of 1 MW. Moreover, captive consumers can set up renewable energy projects without capacity restrictions.
As specified by the draft, GEOA consumers will incur specific charges, including transmission and wheeling charges. Cross-subsidy surcharges are capped at 20 percent of the Average Cost of Supply (ACoS).
Standby charges will be at 110 percent of applicable energy charges for backup power. Banking charges will be calculated as a percentage of the energy banked (8 percent for off-peak months and additional charges during peak periods).
Surplus green energy can be banked with the distribution licensee, subject to time-of-day conditions. The banked energy must be utilised within the same billing cycle, with unutilised energy lapsing at the end of the cycle. Generators are eligible for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for lapsed energy.
Applications for GEOA must be processed within 15 days, with provisions for automatic approval if the deadline is not met. The "first-in, first-out" principle will be applied for processing applications.
Obligated entities, such as distribution licensees and open access consumers, must fulfil uniform RPOs through self-generation, power procurement, or the purchase of green hydrogen and ammonia.
As per the proposed regulations, consumers must adhere to state and national grid codes, metering standards, and DSM regulations. Advanced meters with time-of-day features and real-time communication capabilities are mandatory.
Disputes will be addressed initially by the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC). Appeals can be escalated to BERC, which will resolve them within three months.
The regulations also encompass energy generation from non-fossil fuel-based waste-to-energy plants, promoting diverse green energy sources.
These regulations are expected to attract investments in renewable energy and provide industries, commercial entities, and households with more accessible and cost-effective green energy options. By capping surcharges and offering banking facilities, the draft ensures financial predictability for stakeholders.
These proposed norms aim to simplify processes, incentivise renewable energy adoption, and reduce carbon emissions.
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