Power Purchase Escalation Rates Announced for October 2024- March 25
The Ministry of Power has announced the annual escalation rates applicable for the period from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. These rates will be used to calculate payments for power procured by distribution licensees under various Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). These escalation rates will be used to adjust the payments made to power producers based on changes in fuel costs and other relevant factors.
New Guidelines Issued to Enhance Power System Operations
These guidelines aim to ensure that LDCs are staffed with sufficient skilled personnel to handle the increasing complexity of power system operations. They provide a framework for determining the optimal number of staff required, their qualifications, and training needs.
CERC Indian Electricity Grid Code (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024
The regulations set limits on the duration of infirm power injection for different types of generating stations, including renewable energy sources (REGs) and energy storage systems (ESS). They also clarify the timing for the commencement of scheduling for newly commissioned generating stations. Additionally, The regulations provide for compensation to thermal power plants operating below their normative levels.
CERC Issues Directives to Ensure Power Supply During Peak Demand Period
All SLDCs and RLDCs must submit details of their operational planning for October 2024, including resource adequacy assessments. Distribution companies can procure power from surplus or requisitioned capacity in other states during shortages. Generating companies should address technical issues to ensure maximum capacity on-bar.
CERC Proposes Changes to Electricity Trading Contracts
The commission proposes to review the continuation of Contingency Contracts in light of their performance and the introduction of alternative options like Real-Time Markets (RTM). Additionally, CERC also proposes to withdraw Intra-Day Contracts in all the Power Exchanges. Power exchanges will be required to offer pre-specified time slots for TAM contracts, including Base/RTC, Peak, Off-Peak, and Night. Stakeholders can submit their feedback on these drafts by November 4, 2024.
CERC Publishes Timelines For Implementation Of DSM Regulations
The stipulation in DSM Regulations regarding charges for deviation by way of injection of infirm power will now come into effect on November 1, 2024. Until October 31, 2024, CERC’s Order dated February 6, 2023, on charges for deviation for injection of scheduled inform power will remain in operation. All other provisions of the DSM Regulations, 2024, have come into effect on September 16, 2024.
Changes To Cross-Border Electricity Trade Guidelines
Generating companies or distribution licensees can now export electricity generated from coal-based plants or gas-based plants only if the coal or gas used is imported, procured through spot e-auction, or obtained from other sources specified by the government. However, this restriction does not apply to electricity traded through power exchanges.
Public Hearing To Discuss Changes To Electricity Grid Code
The CERC has decided to hold a public hearing to discuss the draft of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024. This public hearing will be held on August 14, 2024 by video conferencing. The deadline for registering participants to the public hearing is August 12, 2024.
New Regulations for Renewable Energy Tariff Determination in India
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued new regulations for determining tariffs for grid-connected renewable energy projects commissioned between July 1, 2024, and March 31, 2027. The regulations outline specific criteria for different renewable energy project types, including wind, solar, biomass, and hybrid projects.
Draft CERC Indian Electricity Grid Code (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024
The draft amendments inter-alia provide that generating stations other than Renewable Energy Generating Stations (REGS) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) cannot inject infirm power for more than one year from the date they first synchronize with the grid. The CERC is inviting comments, suggestions, and objections from stakeholders and interested individuals on the proposed amendments. Submissions must be received by July 15, 2024.
