In response to a petition submitted by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has granted approval for a tariff of Rs 2.36 per kWh, inclusive of Re 0.07 per kWh as trading margin by Solar Energy Corporation of India for the acquisition of power from 300 MW solar project.
The commissions imposed specific requirements for tariff approval. One condition is that PSPCL is not obligated to bear any inter-state transmission system (ISTS) losses, as they are considered irrelevant to the programme. Additionally, PSPCL is to be relieved from paying ISTS charges, given the commitment to commission the project before June 30, 2025.
The approved trading margin of Re 0.07 per kWh is permissible under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission trading licence regulations. Nevertheless, the trading margin will be limited to Re 0.02 per kWh, if SECI does not furnish the specified escrow arrangement or an irrevocable, unconditional, and revolving letter of credit to the solar generators.
In October 2023, PSERC set an additional surcharge of Rs 1.29 per kWh for full open access consumers and partial open access consumers beyond their contract demand within the area of supply of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited.
In December 2022, PSERC notified draft ‘Terms and Conditions for Intra-State Open Access (10th Amendment) Regulations, 2022’. The regulations include several provisions to promote renewable open access in the state and boost renewables adoption in the commercial and industrial sectors.
