DERC issues renewable energy framework regulations 2021

The Renewable Purchase Obligation and Renewable Energy Certificate Framework Implementation Regulations 2021 has been issued by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) and will take effect on April 13. The rules apply to obligated entities in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi that have a renewable purchase obligation (RPO), such as distribution licensees (discoms), captive users, open access consumers, or any other entity. Unless the Commission specifies otherwise, the targets set for obligated entities for the financial year (FY) 2022-23 will be continued beyond FY23. The obligated entity must meet its RPO targets for solar and non-solar separately. The RPO includes purchases from renewable energy sources that the obligated entity has already developed. Excess non-solar energy or non-solar REC procured beyond the non-solar RPO for that particular year can be used to meet the remaining non-solar RPO compliance requirements. The shortfall can be covered by excess solar energy, solar RECs, or eligible hydro energy purchased beyond the solar RPO or Hydro Purchase Obligation (HPO) for that year if other non-solar RPO compliance is at least 85%. In the meantime, HPO benefits may be obtained from eligible large hydropower projects with a capacity of more than 25 MW. Hydro Energy Certificates can be used by discoms to comply with HPO requirements. Hydropower from outside India would not be considered for HPO. Excess solar or other non-solar energy consumed beyond the specified solar RPO or other non-solar RPO for that year can be used to make up the shortfall if HPO compliance is at least 85%. Power purchased from a renewable energy-based generating station that is registered to issue RECs under the CERC (Terms and Conditions for Recognition and Issuance of Renewable Energy Certificate for Renewable Energy Generation) Regulations 2010 will not be eligible for the RPO of the obligated entities. The discoms in the area can use electricity generated by net metering customers to meet their RPO obligations. Discoms can purchase power generated by all waste-to-energy plants in Delhi, in the ratio of their total power procurement, or as the commission approves. The commission will require discoms to submit quarterly progress reports and RPO compliance status for open access consumers and captive users. Image Source Also read: Ministry of Power issues draft electricity rules 2021