The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has introduced a proposal to integrate distributed renewable energy (DRE) into the renewable power obligation (RPO) framework for the financial year (FY) 2030. The new targets are outlined in the draft Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (Renewable Purchase Obligation, its Compliance, and REC Framework Implementation) Regulations, 2025. The RPO for DRE has been set at 4.5 per cent by FY 2030, leading to reductions in the wind and hydropower obligations, which now stand at 3.48 per cent and 1.33 per cent by FY 2030, respectively. Meanwhile, the RPO for other renewables has increased to 34.02 per cent. The overall RPO target remains unchanged at 43.33 per cent, with energy storage included within the broader category of other renewables. Public and stakeholder feedback on these proposed targets has been invited until April 16, 2025.
Wind RPO compliance applies to power projects commissioned after March 31, 2024, with at least 7 per cent of generated wind energy required for consumption, and any shortfall can be offset by surplus hydropower. Hydropower obligations must be met using free power from state-commissioned projects, or, if insufficient, through additional hydropower purchases or renewable energy certificates. The DRE component covers projects below 10 MW, including solar installations under various metering arrangements. RPO compliance will be measured in kWh, with default calculations based on standard output estimations. Additionally, other RPO obligations can be met from any renewable energy projects commissioned before April 1, 2025. DISCOMs are mandated to procure all power generated from waste-to-energy projects and can use renewable energy procured from prosumers under certain conditions. The RPO will apply to captive and open-access consumers as well.
Obligated entities can fulfill RPO targets through self-generation, direct procurement, or purchases from open-access developers and trading platforms. They may also use renewable energy certificates, green hydrogen, or green ammonia, with equivalency determined per Central Electricity Regulatory Commission regulations. Compliance failures will result in penalties, with defaulting entities required to contribute to a separate fund designated for renewable energy development and transmission infrastructure. DISCOMs failing to deposit penalties within 15 days will be in violation of licensing conditions. In cases of unavoidable non-compliance, entities may seek permission from BERC to defer obligations, though excess purchases will not be carried forward.
