The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has put forth amendments to the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and its Compliance and Implementation of Renewable Energy Certificate Framework Regulations of 2019. The proposed changes encompass Wind RPO, Hydro Purchase Obligation (HPO), Energy Storage Obligation (ESO), and other RPO compliance rules. The operating period for the suggested RPO framework will begin on April 1, 2020, and conclude on March 31, 2030. Key provisions include the ability to meet Wind RPO through energy from new wind projects post-March 31, 2022, and surplus energy from earlier projects. The HPO must be met through energy from hydro projects commissioned between March 8, 2019, and March 31, 2030. The ESO will be quantified in energy units, with a minimum of 85% of the annual energy stored in the Energy Storage System originating from renewable sources. Incentives and penalties have been outlined for DISCOMs based on their achievement of RPO targets.
