Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) Proposes Draft Green Energy Open Access Regulations 2024

Introduction

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has proposed the draft Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions of Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024.[1] This is a significant step towards promoting the adoption of renewable energy within the state. The draft regulations aim to provide a comprehensive framework for open access to green energy, thereby enabling consumers to purchase electricity from renewable sources. This initiative aligns with the broader national goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix and reducing carbon emissions.

Explanation (Key Points)

The draft regulations cover a wide range of issues related to green energy open access, including definitions, procedures, charges, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

• Definitions: The regulations define key terms such as ‘Green Energy,’ ‘Green Open Access Consumer,’ and ‘Obligated Entity,’ providing clarity and a common understanding of these terms for all stakeholders.
• Eligibility: Consumers with a contract demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more are eligible to avail of green energy open access. This provision aims to encourage larger consumers, such as industries and commercial establishments, to switch to renewable energy sources.
• Nodal Agencies: The State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC) Bihar has been designated as the nodal agency for short-term open access, while the State Transmission Utility (STU) will be responsible for medium and long-term open access. These agencies will play a crucial role in facilitating the open access process and ensuring its smooth operation.
• Application Process: The regulations outline a streamlined application process for green energy open access. Applications will be submitted through a national portal developed by the Central Nodal Agency and then routed to the State Nodal Agency. This centralized system is expected to bring transparency and efficiency to the process.
• Charges: The draft regulations define various charges applicable to green energy open access consumers. These include transmission charges, wheeling charges, cross-subsidy surcharge, additional surcharge, standby charges, and banking charges. The regulations also specify other fees and charges, such as application fees, SLDC fees, scheduling charges, deviation settlement charges, and reactive energy charges.
• Banking Facility: A notable feature of the draft regulations is the provision for banking of surplus green energy. Consumers will have the option to bank their surplus green energy with the distribution licensee, which can be used later. This provision incentivizes the generation of excess green energy and promotes efficient utilization of renewable resources.
• Metering: The regulations mandate the installation of Time-of-Day (TOD) meters for accurate measurement of energy consumption. These meters will enable time-differentiated measurements, allowing for better tracking and management of energy usage.

• Dispute Resolution: The regulations also establish a mechanism for resolving disputes related to green energy open access. This mechanism aims to provide a fair and efficient way to address any grievances or conflicts that may arise during the implementation of open access.

Conclusion

The draft Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions of Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024 are a significant step towards promoting renewable energy in Bihar. By providing a clear and comprehensive framework for open access, the regulations aim to make green energy more accessible and affordable for consumers. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy targets and help in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. However, the successful implementation of these regulations will require active participation and cooperation from all stakeholders, including the government, regulatory bodies, energy producers, and consumers.

[1] https://berc.co.in/rules-requlations/regulations/draft-regulations/2797-consultative-paper-on-draft-berc-terms-and-conditions-of-green-energy-open-access-regulations-2024