MPERC Introduces Policy For Grid Interactive Renewable Energy System

MPERC Introduces Policy For Grid Interactive Renewable Energy System

Madhya Pradesh regulatory body Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) introduced general conditions for net metering, group net metering, and virtual net metering, through distributed licensees to eligible consumers on a first come first serve basis. The regulation extended to the whole of Madhya Pradesh and applied only to the Captive Power Plants (CPP) using conventional fuels. The policy supports eligible consumers of all categories to install the renewable energy generation system under a net metering arrangement up to 500 kW capacity. Whereas those that have already installed a capacity of above 500 kw can continue the benefit of net metering.

According to the policy, not less than 26% of the ownership is held by the captive users and not less than fifty-one percent of the aggregate electricity generated in such plant, determined on an annual basis, is consumed for captive use.

The policy can be applicable to those cases of a power plant set up by a registered cooperative society. For co-operative, in case of association of persons, the captive user can hold not less than twenty-six percent of the ownership of the plant in the aggregate, and such captive user can consume not less than fifty-one percent of the electricity generated, determined on an annual basis, in proportion to their shares in own.

According to the act, “The supply of electricity from a Captive Power Plant (CPP) through the grid is to be regulated in the same manner as that of the generating station of a generating company. The CPP Holder at 132 kV is required to comply with the directions issued by the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) for exercising supervision and control as may be necessary for ensuring integrated grid operations and for achieving maximum safety. Similarly for supply at 33/11 kV, the CPP holder shall be required to comply with the directions issued by the Distribution Licensee’s Control Centre (DLCC) for exercising necessary supervision and control.”

The regulation specified the rate for sale of energy, it mentioned, “The rate of purchase of Firm Power is differentiated between power purchased during normal time (between 0600 Hrs. to 1800 Hrs.), peak-time (between 1800 Hrs. to 2200 Hrs) and off-peak time (between 2200 Hrs. to 0600 Hrs. of next day).

It elaborated, “For CPP Holder having Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a licensee, the rate of purchase of firm power during normal time is to be as approved by the commission in its tariff order for the financial year in question. The rate of purchase of firm power during peak time and off-peak time is 110 % and 90 % of the rate for normal time respectively.”

Whereas “The rate of purchase of In-Firm Power shall be 85% of the rate specified for Firm Power, for respective periods. The energy delivered is to be measured at the interface point of the Distribution or Transmission Licensee and the CPP, as the case may be. The Current Transformer (CT) of the synchronising breaker installed at the sub-station of CPP shall be considered as the commercial interface for this purpose.”