+
RERC upholds penalty for failure to comply
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

RERC upholds penalty for failure to comply

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has dismissed a petition filed by Star Cotspin against the imposition of fixed charges amounting to Rs 3,281,040 ($38,838) by Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam (AVVNL) on its 2.185 MW behind-the-meter solar project.

The Commission ruled that the fixed charges were rightly levied under the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2021.

The Commission emphasised the mandatory obligation of consumers to inform the distribution licensee about solar installations through a prescribed model form within three months of the notification of the 2021 Regulations in respect of existing behind-the-meter installations. Star Cotspin failed to fulfill this requirement, attracting the applicable charges.

Star Cotspin operates a solar project with an installed capacity of 2.185 MW, expanded incrementally between 2017 and 2021. It argued that its expanded 784 kW solar capacity was installed in April 2021, before the regulations became effective on July 1, 2021. Hence, these regulations should not apply.

It contended that its installations were governed by the RERC (Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations, 2020, under which no fixed charges were applicable. AVVNL asserted that the petitioner failed to notify it about the expanded solar project in the prescribed manner, as mandated by the 2021 Regulations. It emphasised that the fixed charges were imposed post-July 2021, under the new regulations, and not retroactively.

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has dismissed a petition filed by Star Cotspin against the imposition of fixed charges amounting to Rs 3,281,040 ($38,838) by Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam (AVVNL) on its 2.185 MW behind-the-meter solar project. The Commission ruled that the fixed charges were rightly levied under the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2021. The Commission emphasised the mandatory obligation of consumers to inform the distribution licensee about solar installations through a prescribed model form within three months of the notification of the 2021 Regulations in respect of existing behind-the-meter installations. Star Cotspin failed to fulfill this requirement, attracting the applicable charges. Star Cotspin operates a solar project with an installed capacity of 2.185 MW, expanded incrementally between 2017 and 2021. It argued that its expanded 784 kW solar capacity was installed in April 2021, before the regulations became effective on July 1, 2021. Hence, these regulations should not apply. It contended that its installations were governed by the RERC (Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations, 2020, under which no fixed charges were applicable. AVVNL asserted that the petitioner failed to notify it about the expanded solar project in the prescribed manner, as mandated by the 2021 Regulations. It emphasised that the fixed charges were imposed post-July 2021, under the new regulations, and not retroactively.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Naidu Seeks Rs 563 Crore For AP Sports Infrastructure

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought Rs 563 crore from the Centre to boost sports infrastructure in the state, including Rs 538 crore for stadium development and Rs 25 crore to host the Khelo India Martial Arts Games 2025. Naidu made the request during a meeting with Union Youth Services and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on Wednesday.The CM urged early completion of Khelo India infrastructure projects in Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, and Narasaraopeta, and called for an international-standard badminton training centre and a national aquatic sports hu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tough Bidding Norms Slow NHAI Road Project Awards

Stringent bidding rules imposed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) have led to a slowdown in project awards by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), despite a robust Rs 3.5 trillion pipeline. According to an HDFC Securities report, the shift to more cautious developer models now favours firms with strong balance sheets, as tighter qualification norms limit aggressive bidders.The revised norms mandate additional performance security, targeting the exclusion of players that previously submitted low bids—often 25 to 40 per cent below NHAI cost estimates—raisin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai Gets Coastal Nod for Next Promenade Phase

As Mumbai prepares to open two major sections of its expansive seafront promenade this week, the city’s civic authority has secured a key coastal clearance to advance further construction. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved the commencement of work on the segment between Haji Ali and Baroda Palace, with tendering expected soon after project cost assessments.The promenade, stretching 7.5 km in length and 20 metres wide, is being designed as a flagship open space for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Two critical stretches—2.75 km from Tata Garden to Haji Al..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?