RERC ammends Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems Regulations 2020

The cumulative capacity of RES to be allowed at a particular DT shall not exceed 80% of the capacity . Earlier the transformer capacity allowed was only 50%.

Objective is to promote Rooftop Solar in Rajasthan

As per the Explanatory Memorandum by RERC, Commission has framed the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2020, In order to promote new technology and research in the field of renewable energy and promotion of installation of Roof top Generation plants in Rajasthan, and to bring more clarity in the renewable generating systems under Net Metering arrangement and to promote the setting of such plants and to make it more practicable and rational.

RERC made the following ammendments to the regulations

• The peak AC capacity (inverter capacity on AC side) of the Renewable Energy generating station installed under the Net Billing arrangement shall not exceed the contracted AC capacity. In case during any time block, if the peak AC capacity exceeds the contracted AC capacity the corresponding excess generation of 15-Minute or 30-Minute block, as applicable shall lapse. There shall be no restriction on installed DC capacity.

• If the quantum of electricity exported by a domestic category consumer exceeds the quantum imported during the Billing Period, the excess quantum exported by such domestic consumer shall be purchased by the Distribution Licensee at the weighted average tariff of large-scale solar projects of 5 MW and more, discovered through Competitive Bidding in last Financial Year, and adopted by the Commission plus 25%. In case no bidding is done in previous Financial Year, then the latest tariff discovered through competitive bidding plus 25% shall be applicable.

• For Net Metering consumers the Net imported energy (Total Consumption from all sources- Allowable Solar Generation) from the grid shall be billed according to the applicable slab corresponding to the total consumption from all sources.

• For Net Billing; Distribution Licensee shall enter into Connection Agreement at the weighted average tariff discovered through Competitive Bidding for respective technology in previous Financial Year and adopted by the Commission plus an incentive of 40%.

• The cumulative capacity of RES to be allowed at a particular DT shall not exceed 80% of the capacity . Earlier the transformer capacity allowed was only 50%.

Overall, this ammendment will help promotion ang growth of solar rooftop in the state. After the ammendment, the consumers will get better price for the exported amount and with the increase in transformer capacity, more projects could be installed in the areas where the capacity was reached 50% and the consumers are not getting NOCs.

Renewable Energy Association of Rajasthan (REAR) raised the issues pertaining to the procedural delay by Discoms and request to reduce the time line in every event like NOC, Meter testing, Commissioing etc and to clearly mention the the penalty for Discom for delay in any procedure. The consumer should be compensated for the delay and losses. Other issues were to increase the transformer capacity up to 100% and removal of requirement of check meter, CEIG approval and to increase the export tariff etc.

For more info Visit:- www.rear.org.in or call:- 8299519741