Karnataka provides 50% concession to green energy OA consumers

Karnataka provides 50% concession to green energy OA consumers

Open access (OA) consumers of green energy can now rejoice as Karnataka has halved the additional surcharge levied on them from INR 1.40 to Rs 0.70 per unit for the financial year 2023-24. All other open access consumers are to pay an additional surcharge at Rs 1.40 per unit. In May 2023, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) had deemed all open access transactions to be levied an additional surcharge of INR 1.48 per unit which was challenged in the High Court by independent power producers who drew upon renewable energy sources for producing electricity.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has made significant decisions regarding the metering of LT (Low Tension) connections under the Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Regulations, 2022. These decisions come in response to evolving needs and challenges faced by consumers, particularly telecom operators, seeking to utilize green energy sources. In line with the Electricity Act, 2003 and subsequent regulations, the KERC introduced the GEOA Regulations in January 2023 to promote the use of renewable energy sources. These regulations allow consumers with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more to source power through green energy open access. However, telecom operators raised concerns regarding the suitability of existing metering regulations for their operations, particularly concerning LT connections.