The Grid Controller of India has released guidelines for the enforcement of a uniform renewable energy tariff (URET) for projects integrated into the central pool and connected to interstate transmission systems (ISTS). This guideline was released as a subsequent step to the announcement made in 2022 by the Ministry of Power (MoP), which proposed the establishment of central pools encompassing ISTS-connected renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hybrid, and storage as well. These pools could be utilised by intermediary companies to procure power for distribution and retail supply across multiple states, all at a uniform tariff for each pool.
In accordance with these regulations, the central agency will be tasked with computation of URET on a monthly basis for each category within the central pool. This tariff will determine the rate at which intermediary procurers sell power sourced from these central pools to end procurers. In March 2023, Grid-India had been designated as the implementing agency for overseeing these operations. Under these regulations, distinct central pools are established for different renewable energy sources, including solar power, wind power, hydro power, solar-wind hybrid, round-the-clock power, peaking power, and potentially other new pools designated by the central government.
Furthermore, the central government will announce the commencement date for each central pool individually, and each pool will function for a five-year duration. Any capacity with valid power sale agreements (PSA) signed during this period will join the central pool if they fulfill other eligibility criteria. Following this five-year period, no additional capacity will be incorporated into the pool, and the existing capacity will continue within the pool until the conclusion of their respective agreements. After the initial five years, new central pools could be established for distinct renewable energy sources, with the inclusion of new participants.
