Grant of Green Open Access to consumers availing power from Renewable Energy with Green Attributes.

1. Preamble: This circular follows the MERC (Transmission and Distribution Open Access) Regulations, 2016 and amendments. It applies to applications for Green Energy Open Access (LTOA/MTOA/STOA) to intra-State transmission systems (InSTS) and distribution systems. The GOAR portal by NLDC is for registering and processing such applications. It covers all renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen and ammonia production.

2. New Definitions and Amendments:
2.1 “Central Nodal Agency” for single-window green energy open access.
2.2 Definitions for “Entity” and “Forum of Regulators” clarify consumer eligibility.
2.3 Definitions added for “Green Ammonia” and “Green Hydrogen.”
2.4 Expanded definition of “Renewable Energy” to include various storage technologies.

3. Eligibility for Green Energy Open Access: Consumers with a contract demand of 100 kW or more can now access power from renewable energy sources via Open Access. Special provisions are made for captive consumers and multiple connections within the same electricity circle.

4. Procedure: The Maharashtra State Load Despatch Centre (MSLDC) and State Transmission Utility (STU) manage the process for Short/Medium/Long Term Open Access. Formats and procedures are devised by the Central Nodal Agency.

5. Exemptions:
5.1 Exemptions from cross-subsidy and additional surcharges for energy sourced from non-fossil fuel sources, waste-to-energy, and green hydrogen/ammonia production.
5.2 Offshore wind projects commissioned by 2032 are also exempted.

6. Charges and Energy Lapse:
6.1 Banking charges revised to 8% of energy banked.
6.2 Surplus banked energy lapses at the cycle end but is eligible for Renewable Energy Certificates.

7. Lower Contract Demand Provision: Green Energy Open Access is allowed for consumers with contract demand below 1 MW, subject to special metering requirements (Special Energy Meter for HT consumers, ToD Meter for LT consumers)