Parrikar Held Meeting with Goa Power Dept. Over Solar Policy Implementation

For the generation of grid-connected solar power a power purchase agreement has to be signed between consumers and the electricity department.

In order to streamline the implementations of a solar policy in Goa, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar held a meeting with officials of the electricity department and Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA).

Manohar Parrikar was instrumental in getting solar policy notified. He recently took over the power portfolio of the state. For the generation of grid-connected solar power a power purchase agreement has to be signed between consumers and the electricity department. The amendments in the policy were also suggested by the CM.

The power purchase agreement has been stuck with the legal department for months. In the meantime, the electricity department has been taking written undertakings from consumers for their net metering connections, while there has been no progress on the gross metering front.

The government is also looking at lowering the tariff the electricity department would pay to consumers generating solar power. “As the department would have to pay huge money in case of gross metering, it is trying to lower the tariff. Otherwise, it would be burdened to pay out large sums to the consumers,” an official said.

Furthermore, to encourage more rooftop solar plants, the single window clearance system is being put in place. Also, the entire process is being taken online to make things easier for all. Consumers will be able to upload documents instead of making repeated visits to the electricity department and GEDA. A software will enable consumers to receive updates on their applications and track them on the online portal with their unique code number. The system is being sponsored by the Asian Development Bank that will also provide technical assistance.

Source: ET