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.
National Conference on Energy Transition in Gandhinagar
The conference delved into the critical aspects of energy transition, focusing on scaling up renewable energy generation and consumption. The discussions addressed challenges related to grid integration, financing tools, and the development of supporting infrastructure.
Biomass Price Benchmarking to Boost Sustainable Energy
Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) operating in the respective regions are strongly advised to adhere to the benchmark prices for biomass pellets. The Ministry of Power emphasizes the importance of compliance to accelerate capacity addition in pellet manufacturing and ensure a stable and sustainable biomass supply chain.
J&K and Ladakh Issue Regulations for Power Procurement and Planning
The introduction of these regulations aim at achieving a sustainable, transparent, and resilient power procurement framework in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The guidelines are expected to streamline processes, enhance energy security, and encourage the integration of renewable energy sources into the power mix.
GENCOs encouraged to Participate in CIRP of Stressed Power Assets
The Ministry of Power (MoP) has issued an advisory encouraging all States/ Generation Companies (GENCOs) to participate in the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) for taking over stressed thermal power assets. State-owned GENCOs are advised to acquire stressed power assets through IBC under the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) route and contribute to the overall generation capacity of the nation.
MoP directs all GENCOs on Timely Import of Coal
To ensure a consistent and uninterrupted power supply across the country, the Ministry of Power, in consultation with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Grid India, has made the decision to increase the blending of imported coal to a minimum of 6% by weight. Power generation companies (Gencos) are encouraged to continuously monitor their coal stock positions.
State Governments Imposing Unlawful Additional Charges on Electricity Generation
The government has emphasised that no state has the authority to impose taxes or duties on the generation or inter-state supply of electricity under the guise of additional charges or fees, regardless of the energy source—be it thermal, hydro, renewables, or any other.
