The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has made No Dues Certificates mandatory for the Andhra Pradesh State Load Despatch Centre (APSLDC) to process short-term open access power applications from consumers and generators.

The order followed a request from the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company (APEPDCL), which flagged dues of about ₹8.5 billion (~$89.27 million) owed by certain open access consumers and generators.

APERC noted that APSLDC must consult the relevant transmission or distribution licensee before approving short-term open access. It held that the nodal agency or licensee may seek any information reasonably required to process applications.

The Commission said an applicant’s dues are relevant to processing and deciding whether to grant open access. These include undisputed dues, pending cases of unauthorized use or electricity theft, and disputed claims.

It noted that entities declared insolvent or bankrupt, or entities with undisputed dues exceeding two months’ billing, are not eligible for open access under the APERC (Green Energy Open Access, Charges and Banking) Regulation, 2024.

The Commission stated that allowing consumers or generators with substantial dues to use the grid could financially harm distribution licensees and burden other consumers.

However, the state regulator said open access cannot be denied where such dues are covered by a specific order, direction, interim order, or relief granted by a competent court, tribunal, or judicial forum. The order will not affect the implementation of judicial relief granted in individual cases.

The order took effect on June 8, 2026.

Recently, APERC clarified that rooftop solar projects with installed capacities between 500 kW and 1,000 kW can continue to be billed under net/gross metering arrangements.

This May, APERC directed all distribution companies in the state to provide 24×7 electricity supply to all consumer categories, except agricultural consumers.

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