RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

India's journey toward renewable energy (RE) has been marked by strategic developments, policy initiatives, and an increasing focus on sustainability. The program's evolution can be divided into several key phases: 1. Early Inception (1980s - 1990s) : Initiation : India recognized the need for alternative energy sources in the 1980s due to rising energy demand and limited fossil fuel reserves. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) was established in 1982 (then known as the Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources). Pilot Programs : Initial focus areas included small-scale solar, wind, and biomass projects, mainly for rural electrification and off-grid applications. These pilot programs helped assess the feasibility and potential of various RE technologies. 2. Foundation and Policy Development (2000s) : National Electricity Act, 2003 : This act provided a framework for promoting renewable energy and mandated state electricity regulatory commissions to ensure a sha

 The timeline for regulations and amendments related to Forecasting and Scheduling (F&S) in India is shaped by both the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and various State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). Below is an overview of the key milestones: 1. CERC Regulations: 2015 : CERC issued the Forecasting, Scheduling, and Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) Regulations . This regulation applied to Inter-State transmission and aimed at maintaining grid discipline by penalizing deviations from scheduled generation. 2016-2017 : CERC made amendments to the DSM regulations to fine-tune the provisions, particularly with respect to the renewable energy sector, introducing tighter frequency bands and refining penalties for deviation. 2018 : CERC amended the DSM regulations again, placing a higher emphasis on better forecasting accuracy and including new provisions for renewable energy-rich states. 2020 : CERC issued CERC (Deviation Settlement Mechanism and Related

Open access in electricity refers to the provision that allows large consumers of electricity (typically with a connected load above a specified threshold, often 1 MW or more) to purchase power directly from the open market rather than being confined to buying from the local distribution company (DISCOM). This mechanism is designed to foster competition, improve efficiency, and provide consumers with the flexibility to choose their power suppliers. Key Aspects of Open Access in Electricity Choice of Supplier : Consumers can buy electricity directly from power generators, power trading exchanges, or other suppliers rather than being limited to the local DISCOM. Cost Efficiency : It enables consumers to potentially lower their electricity costs by taking advantage of competitive prices available in the market. Regulatory Framework : The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) govern the rules and regulations for open access. T