Solar Petition for Open Access Solar Projects

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Solar Petition for Open Access Solar Projects

Solar Petition for Open Access Solar Projects

As a leading solar EPC company, we understand the challenges faced by industries and commercial entities looking to optimize their energy costs through Open Access (OA) solar power. With shifting regulatory frameworks, businesses must stay updated to maximize benefits and mitigate risks. This blog is designed to help off-takers navigate the latest developments, including the Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) Order by MERC and the MSEDCL petition, which could significantly impact OA solar projects. Let’s dive in!

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    What is MYT order by MERC?
    The “Multi-year tariff (MYT) regulations, 2024” is a set of regulations that were drawn and amended through certain provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003. The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) uses it to decide how electricity prices will be set over a five-year period (Presently: Fiscal years 2025-2026 to 2029-2030). This process determines the cost of electricity and the fees that companies involved in electricity supply, transmission, and energy storage can charge. The regulations are implemented as an overall effort to ensure electricity prices are fair and cover the necessary costs of running the system.
    Understanding the MYT Order – MERC (Solar Perspective)

    The MYT Order lays the foundation for electricity tariff regulation, influencing key aspects of open access solar projects, such as: 

    1. Solar Tariff Determination for power generation, transmission, and distribution. 
    2. Investment Regulations to promote solar capacity expansion. 
    3. Open Access (OA) Charges, affecting wheeling, transmission, and cross-subsidy surcharges for solar consumers. 
    4. Forecasting and Scheduling Compliance, ensuring grid stability for solar power injections. Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), mandating industrial and commercial consumers to source a share of energy from renewables. 
    5. Energy Banking Norms allow OA solar consumers to manage surplus power efficiently. 
    6. For industrial and commercial off-takers, understanding these MYT regulations is essential to optimizing procurement strategies and reducing long-term energy costs.
    MSEDCL’s Solar Petition: What’s Changing for Solar Offtakers?

    The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has proposed several changes to the MYT framework, which may impact open access solar adoption. MSEDCL’s MYT petition supports clean energy but comes with trade-offs, making smart energy use, fair tariffs, and clear net metering policies essential for maximizing benefits. While ToD rebates encourage daytime power consumption, MSEDCL’s tariff structure prioritizes its financial stability over solar profitability, with additional charges on consumers, banking limitations, and reliance on thermal power restricting the profitability of private and rooftop solar solutions

    Key proposals include: 

    • Increased Cross-Subsidy Surcharge (CSS): Higher costs for consumers opting for OA solar instead of grid power. 
    • Higher Transmission & Wheeling Charges: Making OA solar less financially viable. 
    • Restrictions on Solar Energy Banking: Limiting the ability to store and withdraw excess solar power.
    • Revised Tariff Structure: Potentially reducing the financial advantage of OA solar. 
    • Stricter Forecasting and Scheduling Norms: Imposing penalties for deviations in solar energy injection schedules. 
    • Risk of Curtailment: Regulatory restrictions on OA solar injection into the grid. These changes, if implemented, could significantly affect the feasibility of OA solar projects, making it crucial for businesses to strategize accordingly.
    Key Takeaways for Open Access Solar Offtakers

    Here’s a quick breakdown of the latest updates affecting Open access solar consumers: 

    • Cross-Subsidy Surcharge (CSS): Likely increase, impacting cost savings from OA solar. 
    • Additional Surcharge: Expected adjustments to counter DISCOM revenue losses.
    • Energy Banking Restrictions: Limited flexibility in utilizing stored solar energy. 
    • Transmission & Wheeling Charges: Potential hikes are increasing OA solar costs. 
    • Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM): Stricter penalties for inaccurate solar energy scheduling. 
    • Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Trading: Changes in REC policies affecting solar incentives. To maintain cost efficiency, businesses must stay updated and adapt their energy procurement models accordingly.  
    Potential Impact of the MSEDCL Petition on Offtakers

    If the MSEDCL petition gets approved, businesses relying on OA solar may experience the following: 

    • Higher Electricity Costs: Increased CSS and surcharges may reduce savings. 
    • Limited Banking Options: This makes solar energy management more challenging. 
    • Reduced OA Feasibility: Stricter regulations could push industries back to conventional grid power. 
    • Grid Curtailments: Potential restrictions on solar energy injection. 
    • Regulatory Uncertainty: Unpredictable changes affecting long-term energy planning. 
    • Compliance Challenges: More stringent forecasting and scheduling requirements. 

    To protect energy cost savings, businesses must explore alternative solar solutions and advocacy efforts.

    Strategic Steps for Open Access Solar Offtakers

    With the evolving regulatory landscape, Open Access solar projects must adapt to ensure cost savings and compliance. Here’s how off-takers can navigate these challenges:

    • Monitor Regulatory Updates – Stay informed about policy changes impacting Open Access solar power.
    • Optimize Procurement Strategies – Explore alternative Open Access solar models to maximize benefits.
    • Invest in Forecasting Solutions – Ensure accurate scheduling to comply with grid regulations.
    • Use Group Captive & Captive Solar Models – Benefit from exemptions on certain surcharges.
    • Adopt Battery Storage Solutions – Reduce dependency on restrictive energy banking policies.
    • Engage in Policy Advocacy – Support favorable Open Access solar regulations to promote long-term sustainability.
    Conclusion

    The changing open access solar policy creates challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to use open access solar power. With increasing surcharges, banking limits, and new tariff rules, staying informed and adapting procurement strategies is more critical.

    With the help of a reliable solar EPC company ensures seamless project execution, compliance with regulations, and saves more energy cost. By choosing the right solar EPC service, businesses can efficiently navigate these policy shifts while maintaining long-term sustainability and profitability. Let’s work together to drive a greener, more cost-effective energy future! 

    Disclaimer: This blog post is based on preliminary research on draft MYT order by MERC and MSEDCL’s petition. Final rates may differ subject to regulatory approvals. Always refer to the official tariff order for the most accurate, up-to-date information. All the views expressed above are personal opinion of the author of this blog.

    For more information, feel free to get in touch with us!

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      FAQ

      The MYT order is a regulation by MERC that sets electricity tariffs for a five-year period (2025-26 to 2029-30) to ensure stable and transparent pricing.

      Electricity prices are determined based on forecasted costs, investments, and operational expenses. Regular reviews ensure fair cost recovery while preventing unjustified price hikes.

      MSEDCL has proposed changes in electricity pricing, tariff structures, and solar energy policies, arguing that the current draft may impact revenue and affordability.

      Fixed and energy charges are set to rise.
      Peak-hour rates (5 PM – 10 PM) will increase, while daytime rates (9 AM – 5 PM) will be lower.
      Solar panel owners and consumers using electricity during peak hours may see changes in savings and costs.

      Daytime (9 AM – 5 PM): Lower grid electricity rates due to abundant solar energy.
      Peak hours (5 PM – 10 PM): Higher charges to balance demand and supply.

      • Farmers will benefit from subsidized solar-powered irrigation pumps.
      • Large-scale solar procurement at ₹2.96 per unit may reduce future electricity costs.
      • Net metering changes and ToD tariffs could affect returns on rooftop solar investments.
      • Higher electricity costs for users with peak-time consumption.
      • Battery storage may be needed to maximize solar savings.
      • Private solar companies may face competition from large MSEDCL solar projects.
      • Predictable electricity pricing over five years.
      • Encourages solar energy adoption with lower daytime rates.
      • Ensures fair and transparent cost recovery for power suppliers.

      To lower your electricity bill under MYT regulations, shift energy use to daytime (9 AM – 5 PM) when rates are lower. Invest in solar power and battery storage to use stored energy during peak hours. Monitor consumption and optimize usage based on Time-of-Day (ToD) tariffs for maximum savings.

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