In a major boost to sale of power from wind energy, Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Authority (GERC) has raised the limit of wind power purchase by distribution licensees. The purchase limit for power generated from wind energy has been increased to 6 per cent for fiscal 2009-10 and 7 per cent for financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12.
Earlier, the limit was 2 per cent for wind power. As per the new draft regulation, the bar for procurement of power from renewable sources has been raised to 8 per cent, 9 per cent, 10 per cent for the year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 respectively. Apart from wind, the regulator has pegged the purchase limit for power generated from solar at 1.5 per cent for the first two fiscals and 2.5 per cent for the year 2011-12. In case of other renewable sources the limit is 0.5 per cent for the next three financial years.
GERC draft notification also points out that if minimum quantum of power purchase from solar and other renewable sources, as specified in the notification, is not available in a perticular year, the same amount of wind energy should be procured to fulfill Renewable Power Purchase Obligation (RPRO).
Meanwhile, the state power regulator has also issued a public notice inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders on the new draft regulation on power procurement from renewable energy. The final call on the power purchase would be taken after hearing all the concerned parties.
Earlier Gujarat government was aiming to increase the limit by 2014. However, considering the industry response in renewable sector, the government seems to have decided to come out with the regulation ahead of the timeline it had fixed earlier, sources said.
