Solar power manufacturers in Punjab have sought an extension of deadline for locating up projects that will be eligible for release from transmission and wheeling charges.
The Punjab electricity regulator had in January last year accepted the exemption for renewable energy projects set up in the state up to March 31, 2017 to increase renewable energy projects.
“Since the time frame of programme application is short, most of the solar power projects that are under development in Punjab will not be comprehended by the current deadline and will not be able to benefit the benefit. This will hinder growth of renewable in the state, as many solar projects planned by consumers are under development,” chairman of the sub-committee of the Open Access Users Association (OAUA) Aditya Malpani added.
OAUA, expressive captive solar power producers, has petitioned the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission to spread the programme’s deadline by 2018. The association has also called for regulations conducive to renewable open access. Open access, as allowed in the Electricity Act, springs industrial consumers the right to choose their source of electricity.
Many states like Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana have provided similar concessions with an operation window of at least 4-5 years, he stated. ”One year period is very few time for meaningful implementation. Further, we need an operational framework for renewable open access at par with new states.
As amount of beset 175GW renewable energy capacity, the state needs to install 4,700 MW of renewable energy capacity,” he claimed. ”As per our assessment, the net impact on solar open access to the state power distribution company is less than Rs 0.5-0.7/kWh for every 100 MW capacity addition.
This impact is negligible as related to the benefits which may accumulate in terms of job creation, attracting FDI and improving the competitiveness of the large-scale consumers in the state,” Malpani added.
Open Access enables consumers to gain cost effective and environment friendly solar power, which aids them meet solar renewable power obligations and claim carbon footprint reduction under Corporate Social Responsibility. On account of the above benefits, many consumers are willing to come forward and set up project.
Punjab Solar Power Companies Look for More Time for setting up Units
