CERC amends open access regulations for inter-state power supply

25 May 2009

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has notified a new set of regulations that simplifies inter-state access of electricity.

The final amendments to the open access regulations aims to streamline and rationalise the processes involved in obtaining open access keeping in view the importance of open access in carrying forward reforms in power sector.

According to the new open access regime now amended, if the state load dispatch centre does not respond in the given timelines, which is 7 working days on first occasion and 3 working days on subsequent occasions, to an inter-state open access proposal, the concurrence of the SLDC shall be deemed to have been given, a government release said.

The state load dispatch centres will check only two parameters, ie, availability of transmission capacity and availability of metering infrastructure. This has been done to explicitly provide that no other ground can be the basis for refusal of the open access. Metering infrastructure will also be in accordance with grid code specified by the commission, it said.

Open access customer can now request for change in schedule at a notice of two days instead of the presently provided period of five days.

The transmission charges for short-term open access have also been rationalised in order that it reflects economic value of the service provided and that the charges for long-term usage and short-term usage ultimately converge.