Deadlines Extended For Stricter Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency Standards
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has announced an extension of the deadline for energy efficiency standards for air conditioners sold in India. The original deadline was December 31, 2024 and has now been extended to December 31, 2025. Additionally, BEE has also introduced enhanced standards for the upcoming years.
MNRE Announces Three New Operational Guidelines Providing Incentives And Component Building
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has unveiled several new operational guidelines under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. These include guidelines on incentives to DISCOMs, to accelerate rooftop solar installation across India. The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has also unveiled a component to accelerate rooftop solar deployment through incentives for Local Bodies. Additionally, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has launched a Capacity Building program to empower a skilled workforce for India’s rooftop solar revolution.
New DERC(Supply Code and Performance Standards) (Fifth Amendment) Regulations 2024
On July 16, 2024, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission amended the Supply Code and Performance Standards Regulations:
Regulation 2(7): Defines “APPLICATION” as a complete submission by 1500 hrs.
Regulation 2(42a): Defines “METROPOLITAN” as areas with 1 million+ people, specified by the Lt. Governor.
Regulation 2(51): Defines “Urban Areas” as all areas except rural and Metropolitan.
Regulation 11(4)(i): Sets maximum time periods for providing or modifying connections in electrified areas.
Government Announces Increased Support for Biomass Pellet Production
Non-torrefied pellet manufacturing plants will now receive a significantly higher CFA of Rs. 21 lakh per MTPH or 30% of the capital cost (whichever is lower), with a maximum of Rs. 1.05 crore per project. Torrefied pellet manufacturing plants will receive the highest CFA of Rs. 42 lakh per MTPH or 30% of the capital cost (whichever is lower), with a maximum of Rs. 2.1 crore per project. Briquette manufacturing plants continue to receive a CFA of Rs. 9 lakh per Metric Ton per Hour (MTPH) capacity, with a maximum of Rs. 45 lakh per project.
Driving Energy Innovation: Kerala’s Private Investment in Pumped Storage Hydropower
The Kerala government is paving the way for private entrepreneurs to participate in pumped storage hydropower projects (PSP), marking a significant opportunity in the energy sector.
UPCL seeks public responses on new proposal under the provisions of UERC (Terms and Conditions of intra-state Open Access) Regulations, 2015
On July 6, 2024, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) invited comments on its proposal for an Additional Surcharge to cover fixed costs related to supplying electricity to Open Access Consumers from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. This proposal is made under the UERC (Terms and Conditions of Intra-State Open Access) Regulations, 2015.
Draft HPERC Levy & collection of fees and charges by SLDC Amendment Regulations, 2024
On July 4, 2024, the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) issued the Draft HPERC (Levy and Collection of Fees and Charges by State Load Despatch Centre) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024, amending the 2011 regulations related to the fees and charges levied by the State Load Despatch Centre.
Draft HPERC (Short Term Open Access )(Second Amendment) Regulations,2024
Draft Himachal Pradesh Electricity Commission (Short Term Open Access) (Second Amendment) Regulations ,2024 further to amend the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Short Term Open Access) Regulation 2010. The application fee for open access customer has been increased from Rs.5,000 to Rs.15,000. Also, operational charges has been revised.
Any objections or suggestions shall be made to Secretary, HPERC on or before 3rd August, 2024.
Proposed Revision Of Coal Plant Emission Control Compensation Mechanism
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is proposing revisions to the compensation mechanism for coal-based power plants installing emission control systems. The revisions are based on aspects of recovery of depreciation. operation & maintenance expenses, cost of debt & equity of emission control system and interim relief in the form of provisional tariff.
Government To Fund Testing Facilities for Green Hydrogen Technologies
The Indian government has announced a ₹200 crore scheme to support the development of testing facilities and infrastructure for green hydrogen technologies. This initiative falls under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and aims to accelerate the growth of this clean energy source.
