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Green Energy Open Access Procedure: What, Where and How of GEOA ?

  • Writer: REAR
    REAR
  • 6 days ago
  • 3 min read

India’s energy sector is at a pivotal moment. With climate commitments deepening and corporate sustainability taking center stage, enabling direct access to green power is more critical than ever. The Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Procedure, recently revised by the Grid Controller of India Ltd (formerly POSOCO), acts as the practical bridge between policy and implementation.

In this blog, we break down the Revision 4 of the Green Energy Open Access Procedure (dated 8 July 2024) to help stakeholders—especially large consumers, developers, DISCOMs, and traders—understand how to make the most of this policy.


🔍 What is Green Energy Open Access (GEOA)?

The GEOA rules, first introduced in 2022, enable eligible consumers to buy renewable energy (RE) directly from generators, bypassing traditional utility procurement. This helps drive:

  • Cost savings

  • Carbon footprint reduction

  • Renewable procurement targets (RE100, SBTi, etc.)

Revision 4 updates procedures to reflect regulatory changes under the CERC GNA Regulations 2022, ensuring better integration and digital transparency.


📌 Scope and Applicability

The procedure applies to:

  • Interstate and intrastate transmission and wheeling of RE.

  • Open access through GNA, T-GNA, LTA, MTOA, and STOA.

  • All types of renewable energy including green hydrogen and green ammonia production.

Access is granted using a centralized digital platform: GOAR (Green Open Access Registry).


🏛️ Institutional Roles – Who Does What?

1. Central Nodal Agency (CNA)Operated by Grid Controller of India Ltd, the CNA:

  • Manages the GOAR portal.

  • Facilitates data sharing with CTU, RLDC, SLDC, and STU.

2. RLDC & SLDC

  • RLDC: Nodal for interstate transactions.

  • SLDC: Nodal for intrastate and standing clearances.

3. CTU & STU

  • CTU handles interstate GNA/Connectivity.

  • STU processes intrastate LTA/MTOA.

4. Distribution Licensees (DISCOMs)

  • Provide necessary clearances for their embedded customers.

5. Others

  • Power Exchanges, Traders, QCAs, Solar/Wind Park Developers must register on GOAR and comply with CERC/SERC rules.


⚙️ Step-by-Step Process

1. Connectivity

All entities must first obtain grid connectivity (state or interstate) as per CERC/SERC guidelines.


2. Registration on GOAR Portal

After securing connectivity:

  • Entity registers on GOAR by submitting Form A.

  • Processing timelines:

    • RLDC: 7 working days

    • SLDC: 5 working days

  • Pre-registered entities on NOAR need not register again.


3. Standing Clearance

Standing clearance is mandatory before applying for T-GNA (Temporary GNA):

  • Valid for up to 11 months

  • Issued by RLDC/SLDC

  • Application formats: B1 (for generators) and B2 (for buyers)

  • Deemed approval applies if no action is taken within timelines.


4. Application for Green Energy Open Access

Eligibility:

  • Consumers with ≥100 kW sanctioned load (single or aggregated).

  • No load restriction for captive users.

  • Application formats: D1 (interstate T-GNA), D2 (intrastate), D3 (interstate long/medium term)


✅ Approval Timelines & Prioritization

  • All applications must be processed within 15 days or are deemed approved.

  • Processing order: First-Come-First-Served.

  • Priority given to:

    • Long Term > Medium Term > Short Term

    • Renewable energy > Fossil fuel


💰 Applicable Charges

Entities must pay the following charges:

  • Transmission Charges

  • Wheeling Charges

  • Cross-Subsidy Surcharge (CSS)

  • Banking & Standby Charges

  • LDC & Scheduling Charges

  • Deviation Settlement Charges (DSM)(All as per respective CERC/SERC regulations)


🔁 Energy Banking Provisions

  • Monthly banking allowed for up to 30% of monthly consumption.

  • Charges to be determined by the Appropriate Commission.

  • Subject to SERC/CERC regulations.


⚖️ Treatment of Losses

Transmission and wheeling losses are handled as per applicable state or central regulations.


🛡️ Indemnity Clause

Entities must indemnify SLDCs, RLDCs, CTU, STU, and CNA against:

  • Legal claims

  • Financial liabilities

  • Accidents or property damages arising from their transactions


📈 Digital Transparency & Monitoring

The GOAR portal ensures:

  • Real-time status of applications

  • Digital communication of approvals, rejections, curtailments

  • Integration with MIS/reporting systems


🧭 Why It Matters

This procedure is a major step toward India’s renewable energy ambitions:

  • Empowers C&I consumers to meet green mandates.

  • Digitizes and standardizes access to renewable energy.

  • Reduces DISCOM dependency for RE procurement.

  • Supports Make in India, Net Zero 2070, and Energy Security missions.


📌 Final Thoughts

The Green Energy Open Access Procedure – 2024 Revision is more than a compliance document—it's an enabler of India’s green transition. Whether you're a corporate buyer, power trader, DISCOM, or generator, aligning with this framework can unlock long-term sustainability and economic benefits.


Are you ready to switch to green power the smart way?


Need help navigating GOAR or planning your open access strategy?Feel free to reach out or drop your questions in the comments!

 
 
 

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