Goa Energy Development Agency Invites Public Suggestions on Draft Solar Power Policy

Suggestions on Draft Solar Power Policy will be compiled by GEDA and submitted to the government, which will then consider incorporating them after taking into consideration the financial implications for each.

The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has received around 10 suggestions on the draft solar policy during the 10 days to receive public comments.

“The suggestions will be compiled by GEDA and submitted to the government, which will then consider incorporating them into the draft policy, after taking into consideration the financial implications for each. The draft policy will then be notified by the government,” an official said.

The policy was put in the public domain for the second time, after the first draft made no mention of subsidies. Under the policy, the state will grant 50 percent of the capital cost or the benchmark cost provided by the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), whichever is lower, as an interest-free loan to small consumers for setting up solar plants.

A ‘prosumer’ (a consumer of the electricity department who is also a producer of solar power) will have to enter into a power purchase agreement with the electricity department for a period of 25 years, during which the tariff will remain fixed and prosumers will be required to submit an annual account of the power generated. GEDA will allot solar power capacities to project developers and help them with the setup, obtain sanctions and clearances from departments through a single-window. The agency will also identify and facilitate allotment of government land and help in obtaining subsidies by the state or Centre.

The electricity department will also extend support and guidance to those eligible for installing solar power plants and connecting it to the electricity system. The department will conduct a feasibility study for evaluation and connectivity with the local grid facility and provide banking facilities for solar energy.

Source: TOI