The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission has introduced the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024, which now incorporate guidelines for banking and various open access charges applicable to consumers utilising green energy open access (GEOA). The guidelines will be applicable to electricity generated through the open access model using green energy sources. This includes energy derived from non-fossil fuel-based municipal solid waste to energy projects, intended for utilisation within the intra-state transmission and distribution systems. These regulations aim to streamline the process of GEOA for consumers, generators, and licensees within the state. The purpose of these regulations is to guarantee equitable and impartial access to green energy, encompassing renewable sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and others. The regulations address various aspects, including the timeframe for open access, the methodology for charge determination, and the procedures for application and approval.
The guidelines are relevant to individuals seeking GEOA with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of a minimum of 100 KW. This encompasses consumers, generators of green energy, or licensees with either single or multiple connections totaling 100 KW or more within the same electricity division of a distribution licensee. GEOA is categorised into three types: long-term, medium-term, and short-term. Long-term access lasts for more than 12 years but not beyond 25 years, while medium-term access ranges from three months to three years. Short-term access is applicable for periods of up to one month each time. To request GEOA, consumers need to submit the necessary documentation and fees to the assigned nodal agency. Additionally, they are required to furnish a declaration confirming that they have not executed multiple power purchase agreements for the same capacity. Customers with a contracted demand of 100 KW or higher qualify for open access, and there are no limitations on capacity for establishing renewable energy projects for captive use. Nonetheless, restrictions are in place regarding alterations to the amount of power consumed through open access to prevent significant fluctuations in demand.
The application procedure includes submitting applications through a central portal, which then directs them to the state nodal agency for validation and approval. Comprehensive information pertaining to green energy open access is accessible to the public through the portal. Current consumers utilising green energy open access will remain under the jurisdiction of prior policies, orders, or regulations until the conclusion of their control period. New applications, however, will be subject to the changes outlined in the new regulations. To guarantee adherence, consumers must acquire a ‘no due certificate’ and confirm the availability of the required metering infrastructure with the distribution licensee. Neglecting to furnish essential information may lead to penalties, such as the revocation of captive status and the retrieval of charges. The commission sets the transmission and wheeling charges, along with additional surcharges, which green energy open-access consumers are obligated to pay. Cross-subsidy surcharges are also imposed, depending on the actual energy consumption during billing cycles.
