The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission issued Draft KERC (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has proposed amendments to its Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Regulations. As per the provisions under Section 181(3) of the Electricity Act, 2003, the draft amendment has been published for public review.
Draft Amendment Highlights:
The regulations will be known as the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024.
The regulations will apply to Open Access to electricity generated from Renewable Energy (RE) sources, specifically for use through the Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) and distribution systems of licensed entities within the state.
1.Modifications to Key Regulations:
Definition of Consumer (Regulation 1):
Existing Regulation: Defines consumers as persons with a contract demand (for HT) or sanctioned load (for LT) of 100 kW or more.
Proposed Modification: Expands the definition to include those with multiple connections aggregating to 100 kW or more in the same electricity division of a distribution licensee.
2.Application Processing Time (Regulation 8):
Existing Regulation: Specifies time schedules for processing long-term and medium-term OA applications.
Proposed Modification: Expands the time schedules to include short-term OA applications as well.
3.Open Access Charges (Regulation 11):
Transmission Charges:
For Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS), transmission charges for long-term/medium-term Green Energy Open Access will be calculated as Total Transmission System Charges (TTSC) divided by Peak Load Served (PLS).
For Short-Term Green Energy Open Access, charges will be calculated based on Total Transmission System Charges (TTSC) divided by the Energy Transmitted by the transmission licensee.
New Clause: Introduction of additional fees and charges for services like Load Dispatch Centre charges, system operation charges, and reactive power charges.
4.Cross-Subsidy Surcharge (Regulation 11(v)):
Existing Regulation: The cross-subsidy surcharge is calculated according to the Tariff Policy.
Proposed Modification: Introduces a detailed formula for the surcharge calculation, including various costs like power purchase cost, transmission losses, and regulatory assets.
5.Additional Surcharge (New Clause):
The new regulation introduces the concept of additional surcharge for open access consumers based on stranded power or open access energy. The surcharge will depend on the cost of backed-down power or open access power during the previous year.
6.Banking of Energy (Regulation 12):
Existing Regulation: Allows banking of energy on a monthly basis with applicable charges.
Proposed Modification: Specifies that unutilized banked energy at the end of the month cannot be carried forward but will earn Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The regulation also lays down provisions for Time-of-Day (ToD) differentiated energy banking.
7.Metering and Inspection (Regulation 15):
The amendment includes the requirement for Time-of-Day (ToD) meters capable of 15-minute interval measurements. However, the ToD requirement will be waived for LT consumers seeking Green Energy Open Access under the amended regulations, though such meters must still have ToD facility.
Stakeholder Involvement:
Stakeholders, including consumers, industry participants, and regulators, are encouraged to review the draft amendment and provide feedback. The Commission will consider all suggestions and objections before finalizing the regulations. The deadline for submitting feedback is 30 days from the publication date. January 16th 2025
How to Submit Feedback:
- Interested parties can submit their feedback, suggestions, or objections on the proposed draft to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission within the specified period.
This draft amendment is a significant step in enhancing Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) in Karnataka, ensuring that renewable energy generation and consumption are streamlined and effective, benefiting all stakeholders involved in the state’s energy ecosystem.
