Rajasthan’s Green Energy Open Access Procedure: A Step Towards Clean Power

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (RVPN) have recently introduced the Procedure for Grant of Green Energy Open Access (GEOA), aligned with the Electricity Act 2003, the Ministry of Power’s Green Energy Open Access Rules (2022 & 2023), and the RERC GEOA Regulations, 2025.

This procedure opens the door for consumers, industries, and renewable project developers to access clean power in a structured, transparent, and non-discriminatory way.

Key Highlights of the Procedure

1. Eligibility

• Consumers with contract demand of 100 kW or more can apply for GEOA.

• No minimum limit for captive consumption.

• New RE projects above 5 MW on STU network must install Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid stability.

• Captive RE plants can be up to 200% of contract demand, with BESS requirements for additional capacity.

2. Nodal Agencies

• RVPN (STU) → Processes Long-Term (LTOA) & Medium-Term (MTOA) applications.

• SLDC → Handles Short-Term (STOA) and registration.

• DISCOMs → Grant No Objection Certificates (NOC), verify technical feasibility, captive status, and metering.

3. Application Process

• Applications to be filed online via the GOAR Portal (https://greenopenaccess.in).

• Application Fees:

• Bank Guarantee: For LTOA, ₹10,000/MW is mandatory.

• Timelines:

Applicants must also submit NOCs, agreements, connectivity approvals, metering compliance, and board authorizations.

4. Banking & Settlement

• Banking of renewable energy is allowed with limits:

• Carry-forward allowed with 8% deduction.

• Energy accounting done by DISCOMs; deviation charges by SLDC.

5. Billing & Charges

• Consumers to pay Transmission, SLDC, Wheeling, Cross Subsidy, Additional Surcharge, Banking charges, etc.

• LTOA/MTOA bills → Monthly, payable in 45 days.

• STOA charges → Payable in advance.

6. Curtailment & Relinquishment

• In case of grid constraints, STOA curtailed first, then MTOA, then LTOA. DISCOM’s open access curtailed last.

• LTOA consumers can exit with 1-year notice; compensation may apply if less than 12 years are completed.

• MTOA consumers can exit with 30-day notice and charges.

Why This Matters

Rajasthan is a renewable energy leader in India. With this structured GEOA framework:

• Industries and C&I consumers can access reliable green power.

• Developers get clarity on approvals, charges, and banking.

• The grid gets more stability through mandatory storage and scheduling rules.

This marks another big step toward Rajasthan’s ambition of being India’s renewable energy capital.

✅ In short: Rajasthan’s GEOA procedure brings transparency, standardization, and new opportunities for industries and consumers to adopt clean energy seamlessly.