Why In The News?

• The High Court of Karnataka has struck down the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022.

About the ruling:

=> The High Court of Karnataka ruled that the Central Government lacked the authority under the Electricity Act, 2003 to frame the GEOA Rules, 2022.

=> The Electricity Act, 2003 grants exclusive powers to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to regulate open access in electricity distribution.

Salient Features of GEOA Rules, 2022:

=> These rules are notified for promoting the generation, purchase, and consumption of green energy including the energy from Waste-to-Energy plants.

=> The Green Open Access is allowed to any consumer and the limit of Open Access Transaction has been reduced from 1 MW to 100 kW for green energy, to enable small consumers also to purchase renewable power through open access.

=> Consumers are entitled to demand a supply of Green Power from Discoms.

=> Discoms would be obligated to procure and supply green power to eligible consumers.

=> Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on a voluntary basis.

=> There shall be a uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), on all obligated entities in the area of a distribution license.

=> Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia has also been included for fulfillment of its RPO.