DERC proposes to amend open access green energy regulations

In a move that will promote cleaner renewable energy consumption by commercial users in the national Capital, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has proposed to amend the open access green energy regulations.

Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) is a regulatory framework through which consumers with a connected load of 100 kW and more can directly purchase renewable energy from the suppliers, excluding local discoms, and thereby save up to 30-40 per cent of their electricity bills.

Under the existing Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024, the eligibility for availing GEOA is restricted to consumers connected at 11 kV and above and having a sanctioned load of 100 kW and above.

“The said voltage-based restriction had the effect of excluding consumers who meet the prescribed load criterion but are connected at voltage levels below 11 kV from availing the Green Energy Open Access benefit,” said a Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) document.

This is contrary to the GEOA framework’s objective to promote a uniform, technology-neutral and load-based eligibility regime, enabling access to renewable energy across consumer categories, the officials said.

The DERC has now issued a draft Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2026 document seeking feedback from stakeholders over the proposed reduction in the voltage criterion from the current 11 kV to less than 11 kV.

The issue of GEOA applicability to consumers connected below 11 kV has emerged, especially in the case of those in telecom sectors, commercial infrastructures and medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) that are characterised by geographically dispersed loads and predominantly low tension (LT) connectivity.

The issue was also discussed in meetings of the Delhi government’s power department in which the need to enable wider access to GEOA was stressed, the officials said.