Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution (MSEDCL) has introduced new guidelines for the state to implement Green Energy Open Access (GEOA). These rules apply to both existing and new consumers.

The Green Open Access Rules, 2022 allows consumers to generate, purchase, and consume green energy, including energy from waste-to-energy plants, through open access.

Under the new guidelines, consumers with a contract demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more can access green energy through open access, provided they meet specific metering requirements. This equitable approach, mandating a Special Energy Meter for High Tension Consumers and a ToD meter for Low Tension Consumers, ensures fairness for all.

However, the access will be restricted with specific conditions for multiple connections within the same electricity circle.

There are special provisions for captive consumers and conditions for open-access consumers sourcing power from renewable energy generators.

MSEDCL plans to introduce specific procedures and formats devised by the National Load Dispatch Centre to seek GEOA.

The Maharashtra State Load Despatch Center has been appointed as the nodal agency for short-term open access, and the State Transmission Utility has been appointed for Medium-Term and long-term open access.

The regulations also exempt power sourced from non-fossil-based waste-to-energy plants and green energy used to produce green hydrogen and ammonia from cross-subsidy and additional surcharges. Additional exemptions for offshore wind projects commissioned up to December 2032, and GEOA consumers who pay fixed charges have been extended.

Banking charges have been set at 8% of the energy banked. Any unutilized surplus banked energy will lapse at the end of each banking cycle, and they will be eligible to receive renewable energy certificates for the lapsed energy.

In 2023, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) included GEOA in the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Distribution Open Access) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2023.

In February 2024, the Ministry of Power instructed state electricity regulatory commissions to comply with the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules. These rules aim to promote the use of renewable energy and align the states’ open access regulations with the notified rules and the amendments.

The regulations pertain to long/medium/short-term access to green energy through transmission lines or associated facilities of the intra-state transmission system and distribution lines or related facilities of the distribution system.

The regulations will apply to all types of renewable energy sources. Any mechanism that uses green energy to replace fossil fuels, including green hydrogen and green ammonia.

In July 2024, MERC approved MSEDCL’s petition to procure 5,000 MW of solar and 1,600 MW of thermal power.