Maharashtra to formulate guidelines for distributed Solar generation having less than 1 MW capacity...

 

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commissions while ruling on a petition regarding formulation of guidelines for connectivity to solar generators below 1 MW, have formulated a Working Committee to examine and prepare a draft Terms of Reference for the said matter.

The basis of the petition was to enable and encourage investment in the distributed solar generation by various types of consumes having capacity and willingness to invest in solar power for the purpose of captive consumption but are restricted by the existing regulatory framework which does not allow connectivity with the grid for solar power plants below 1 MW. This would also benefit retail level consumers.

Under the said petition various relaxations were sought for the distributed solar generation having capacity 1 MW and below in Maharashtra.

Some of the major requirement laid down in the petition are:

• Finalization of connectivity norms for Solar generators below 1MW with minimum procedures and paper work for consumers especially for captive consumption with generation/consumption at one or multiple places.
• Waiving off transmission/wheeling charges & Cross Subsidy Surcharge for the power so generated from Solar Power Generation Plants for the consumers consuming the power during the active solar power generation period.
• Charging differential rate as banking charge per unit for the consumers opting for “Power Banking Scheme” & consume power deposited any time in 24 hrs.
• Formulization of procedure for metering and certification of power generated by micro solar power plants to be accounted only for the purpose of reducing REC buying liabilities and if needed charge reasonable metering & certification charges per KW certified to the beneficiary.

Various models, described and considered are:

1. Generation and consumption during day time
• Generation and consumption within the same premises
• Generation outside the premises at single or multiple locations
• Generation at one location and consumption at multiple locations
2. Generation during day time with facility of banking power with Discoms and consumption during 24 hrs as needed.
3. Generation and consumption by corporate business houses for getting credit to reduce their REC buying liabilities / RPO.

While carrying out the regulatory proceedings in the matter, MERC has invited comments from various stakeholders and considered the submissions from the Discoms (Such as BEST, R-Infra, MSEDCL), MSETCL, SLDCs and have made the following observations:

• Appreciated the concerns highlighted in the petition and recognized the need to harness solar energy and requirements to promote decentralized form of solar installations of less than 1 MW capacity.
• However, prayers laid down in the petition requires dealing with numerous technical, commercial, regulatory and operational issues to enable grid connectivity of small rooftop solar PV power plants for captive consumption and third party wheeling.
• The Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity of Distributed Generation Resources) Regulations, 2013 stipulate standards and strive to address certain technical aspects associated with the present matter.
• For several other issues, merit comprehensive study requires public consultation to address state specific situation, which has been highlighted by several stakeholders.
• Further, the Central Electricity Authority (Installation of and Operation of Meters) Amendment Regulations, 2013, which shall be applicable to all Grid Interactive Renewable Energy Plants seeking connectivity to the grid at 415 V and below voltage levels, is presently in the draft stage and the same is yet to be finalized. The said metering Regulations shall play a significant role in outlining important regulatory framework enabling metering, energy accounting and grid connectivity for solar generators of less than 1 MW. Thus, finalization of the same is also an important milestone to address the issues in the present petition.
• Besides, grid connectivity of solar power plants having an installed capacity of less than 1 MW shall have a bearing on almost all categories of consumers and various regulations such as grid code, supply code, open access regulations etc. As such, it is essential that any amendment in the regulatory provisions with respect to the same will have to follow a diligent exercise of identifying implementation aspects and addressing the same through a comprehensive stakeholder and public consultation process.

Hence, considering the above MERC has directed the following:

• In view of the complexities involved in the matter and the far-reaching implications that it would have on the distribution companies and LT level consumers, the Commission has decided to study the issues involved in the matter in detail.
• Thus, the Commission directs formation of a Working Committee under Director (EE), MERC along with the representatives from all impleaded parties (MSEDCL, TPC-D, RInfra-D, BEST, MSETCL, STU & MSLDC), including the Petitioner and Prayas Energy Group to study issues involved in the matter. The Working Committee is further directed to prepare a draft Terms of Reference (ToR) and submit it to the Commission for approval.
• The Committee shall submit its report to the Commission within period of six months from the date of issuance of this Order, which shall form the basis for formulation of appropriate regulatory framework for exploring grid connectivity of solar generators below 1 MW.

The complete order can be downloaded from here.

 

Source: MERC