The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has allowed M/s Pilania Steels Pvt. Ltd. to use a one point five megawatt (MW) captive solar PV power plant to supply part of its load. The company manufactures HB wire and binding wire in the Heavy Industrial Area of Bhilai and draws 850 kVA from a 33 kilovolt (kV) supply line of the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL).

The solar plant injects power at the Salhebharri substation through a dedicated feeder while the company's drawl point in Bhilai lacks a dedicated feeder. Under the CSERC Connectivity and Intra-State Open Access Regulations, 2011, bulk consumers are normally required to have a dedicated feeder to avail open access and the petitioner sought relief under Clause 5(5). The company argued that the quantum of power to be drawn was relatively small and that installing a dedicated feeder at the drawl end would not be technically or financially viable.

The distribution licensee CSPDCL and the transmission licensee Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL) did not oppose the request but imposed technical safeguards, including availability based tariff (ABT) meters with Automated Meter Reading (AMR) facilities and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) for real time data communication with the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC). The utilities required the petitioner to waive any claim for compensation for interruptions, maintenance or shutdowns of the multi consumer Hathkhoj Industrial feeder and to accept load restrictions if imposed. CSPTCL technical reports indicated that transmission from the injection point to the drawl point was feasible.

The matter was heard by a bench on sixth February 2026 and the Commission observed that the regulations permit exemptions in suitable cases provided reasons are recorded. The Commission noted that the petitioner had agreed to comply with the technical and safety conditions and consequently allowed the petition. The decision is expected to facilitate the company's transition towards renewable energy while maintaining grid stability and operational discipline.