Chandigarh: To play a key role in achieving the national green energy target, theHaryana Electricity Regulatory Commission(HERC) has amended theGreen Energy Open AccessRegulations, 2023, to encourage greater adoption of green energy in the state.
The move comes at a time when industries operating in NCR cities of Haryana are under pressure to shift to green energy, especially due to restrictions invoked by Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) from time to time. As of Jan this year, the state recorded off-grid 312.02 MW production or contribution from 46,234 off-grid pumps installed at various places, including industries, hydra projects, solar pumps, etc.
There are around 60,000 SPV home systems under the Manohar Jyoti project and 18,472 solar systems installed on rooftops at homes. Besides this, commercial wind pumps and hydra systems installed on the Yamuna catchment and industries are also operational in the state. The amendments became necessary as entrepreneurs resorting to green energy and solar power faced difficulties in open access due to certain ceilings in the absence of rules.
According to information, these amendments, effective immediately, aim to simplify and expand access to clean energy sources, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient power supply. One of the key changes allows consumers with a sanctioned load of 100 kW and above, whether through a single or multiple connections within the same electricity division, to be eligible for Green Energy Open Access. Additionally, captive consumers generating their own renewable power will now face no restrictions on the supply of power, making it easier for industries and businesses to transition to green energy.
The updated regulations also include provisions for electricity generation from non-fossil fuel-based waste-to-energy plants, enabling them to connect to the intra-state transmission and distribution system. To further simplify the process, consumers can now apply for connectivity and open access simultaneously, reducing procedural delays and making it easier for businesses and industries to switch to renewable energy sources.
Another significant amendment benefits consumers who are not on independent feeders, as they can now access open energy markets, provided they agree to system constraints and power cut restrictions imposed by the distribution licensee. Additionally, to promote offshore wind energy projects, the new regulations specify that no additional surcharge will be applied to power supplied from offshore wind projects commissioned until Dec 2032 for Open Access Consumers.
“By streamlining access to renewable energy and removing barriers to connectivity, these amendments will accelerate the transition towards a greener power grid. Our focus is to ensure that businesses and individuals can tap into clean energy sources with ease while maintaining grid stability and reliability,” said Nand Lal Sharma, the HERC chairperson.
These amendments mark a major milestone in Haryana’s journey toward a clean energy transition. By facilitating wider participation in Green Energy Open Access, the state is paving the way for lower carbon emissions, enhanced energy security, and a sustainable future. With industries, businesses, and residential consumers now having better access to renewable power, Haryana is setting an example for other states to follow in building a resilient and green power ecosystem.
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