MNRE Publishes Details of Secretaries (DRC) of REIAs

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced the secretaries to the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) for the respective Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs). This order was issued on January 12, 2024.

New Rules Unveiled to Boost Ease of Doing Business in Green Hydrogen and Energy Storage Sectors

To rationalize open access charges, the rules state that for consumers availing General Network Access or Open Access, the additional surcharge will be progressively reduced and eliminated within four years. Importantly, the surcharge will only apply to consumers who are or have been customers of the concerned Distribution licensee, sparing those who have never been customers from this additional cost.

Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2024

The amendment rules have inserted three new rules, numbered 21, 22 and 23. The prior rule 21 has been re-numbered as 24. These rules seek to address various aspects of power generation, transmission, and open access charges. These amendments aim to streamline the power sector, encourage investments, and enhance operational efficiency.

Price Of One Metric Tonne Oil Equivalent For PAT Cycle III

With an ever-growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and responsible resource management, the MoP’s amendments to the Energy Conservation Rules foster a culture of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The revised rules are expected to play a crucial role in guiding businesses and industries towards a more sustainable and responsible approach to energy consumption.

Updated Bank Account Details for National Hands-on Training Programme on Biogas Technology

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has published a corrigendum on the previous announcement regarding the registration process for the National Hands-on Training Programme on Biogas Technology and its Implementation. This corrigendum is issued by the Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy. The present corrigendum has updated the bank account details for NEFT/IMPS transactions.

Draft Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Second Amendment Rules, 2023

These rules state that on request of any owner or occupier of any premise in a Group Housing Society or Residential Colony or Resident Welfare Association, the distribution licensee shall provide individual connection for supply of electricity. The draft rules also provide that the distribution licensee shall provide a separate connection for supply of electricity for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system. Comments or suggestion on these draft rules have been invited up to January 12, 2024. The comments shall be in a word file and can be emailed to debranjan.chattopadhyay@nic.in and narendra.kumar65@nic.in

Draft Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) (Amendment) Rules 2023

These proposed amendments aim to create a more accountable and efficient electricity payment system, providing clear guidelines for addressing non-payment issues while maintaining a balance between the interests of generating companies and distribution licensees. The emphasis is on timely payments and securing the power supply chain for a robust and sustainable energy ecosystem.

Efficiency Gains & Upgradation Initiatives in Power Sector

The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy has underscored the importance of annual maintenance and periodic upkeep in ensuring the seamless operation of power plants, including thermal and hydro facilities. The Minister highlighted the continuous efforts in Renovation & Modernisation (R&M) and Upgradation as a cost-effective means of optimizing energy resources through efficiency improvements, better availability, and capacity augmentation.

Implementation of Smart Metering To Reduce Costs

The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) guidelines mandate the deployment of smart meters through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on a total expenditure (TOTEX) mode, ensuring a seamless transition and operational support to Distribution Companies (DISCOMS). The incorporation of prepaid smart metering for consumers and system metering at Feeder and Distribution Transformer levels streamlines energy accounting and auditing processes.