In exercise of the powers conferred under section 863 and Section 181 of the Electricity Act,

## Report on the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission Amendment Regulations, 2022 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the State of Goa and Union Territories Connectivity and Open Access in Intra State Transmission and Distribution Second Amendment Regulations, 2022. This amendment modifies the existing regulations concerning open access for electricity consumers. The core purpose of the amendment is to revise the rules regarding the quantum of electricity drawal by partial Open Access Consumers from the Distribution Licensee. Key changes involve allowing consumers to choose between Contract Demand or Admissible Drawal (defined as the difference between Contract Demand and maximum Open Access) and specifying the conditions for drawing banked energy between peak and off-peak times of day (TOD) slots. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed overview of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the State of Goa and Union Territories Connectivity and Open Access in Intra State Transmission and Distribution Second Amendment Regulations, 2022 (hereinafter referred to as "the Amendment"), based solely on the provided policy text. The report outlines the key changes introduced, their potential impact, and relevant implementation aspects as discernible from the document. **3. Policy Overview:** * This report pertains to an *Amendment* of the "Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the State of Goa Union Territories Connectivity and open Access in IntraState Transmission and Distribution Regulations, 2017" (hereinafter referred to as "Principal Regulations"). * Core Objective(s) (inferred): The core objective of the *amendment* appears to be refining the operational aspects of open access electricity consumption and time of day energy usage, specifically focusing on optimizing drawal limits for partial open access consumers and allowing greater flexibility in energy banking during different time slots. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely stems from a need to provide greater flexibility and clarity regarding the drawal limits for partial Open Access Consumers. The original regulations may have created constraints or inefficiencies for consumers, prompting the JERC to introduce the option of choosing between Contract Demand or Admissible Drawal. Furthermore, the restrictions on energy banking may have hindered efficient energy management, leading to the revised rules on peak and off-peak TOD slots. The amendment to regulation 7A.1 suggests a need to better manage energy usage during peak and off-peak periods. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section details the changes introduced by the amendment: * **Amendment to Regulation 5.21:** This amendment modifies the rule governing the electricity drawal by partial Open Access Consumers from the Distribution Licensee. * **Original Rule:** "The quantum of drawal of electricity by a partial Open Access Consumer from the Distribution Licensee during any Time Block of a Day should not exceed the Admissible Drawal of Electricity by the Open Access consumer which is the difference of Contract Demand and maximum quantum of Open Access for which approval has been granted by the Nodal Agency." * **New Rule:** "The quantum of drawal of electricity by a partial Open Access Consumer from the Distribution Licensee during any Time Block of a Day should not exceed the Contract Demand or the Admissible Drawal which is the difference of Contract Demand and maximum quantum of Open Access approved by the Nodal Agency, as opted by the Open Access Consumer. At any point of time, the total drawlinput fromto the system shall not exceed the contracted demand for which the consumer has entered into the contract with the Distribution Utility. The existing and new partial Open Access Consumers for the purpose of drawal of electricity from the Distribution Licensee shall have to opt between the Contract Demand or the Admissible Drawal within 30 days of the notification of these Regulations, which shall be applicable till the end of financial year. Provided that these partial Open Access Consumers shall opt between the Contract Demand or the Admissible Drawal at least seven 7 days prior to the start of the ensuing financial year, which shall be applicable till the end of ensuing financial year" * **Difference/Effect:** The key change is introducing a choice for Open Access Consumers. They can now *choose* to have their drawal limited by either their Contract Demand *or* the Admissible Drawal (Contract Demand minus approved Open Access). The amended regulation also specifies that the total drawl input from the system should not exceed the contracted demand for which the consumer has entered into the contract with the Distribution Utility. * **Amendment to Regulation 7A.1:** This amendment adds a proviso to Regulation 7A.12 concerning Time of Day (TOD) slots. * **New Rule:** "Provided further that the energy banked during peak TOD slots may be drawn during off peak TOD slots, but the energy banked during offpeak TOD slots will not be drawn during peak TOD slots." * **Difference/Effect:** This change introduces asymmetry in energy banking. Energy banked during peak hours can be used during off-peak hours, but energy banked during off-peak hours cannot be used during peak hours. This likely aims to disincentivize off-peak consumption during peak demand periods, promoting grid stability. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by these changes include: * Partial Open Access Consumers in the State of Goa and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu, Puducherry and Chandigarh. * Distribution Licensees operating within the specified regions. * The Nodal Agency responsible for approving Open Access. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) is responsible for enacting and overseeing these regulations. Distribution Licensees and the Nodal Agency have responsibilities in implementing the changes. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * Existing and new partial Open Access Consumers must opt between Contract Demand or Admissible Drawal within 30 days of the notification of these Regulations. * Consumers must make this choice at least seven days before the start of each ensuing financial year, with the selected option being applicable for the entire financial year. * The Regulations came into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette (May 20, 2022). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The ability for Open Access Consumers to choose between Contract Demand and Admissible Drawal is likely intended to provide flexibility and potentially reduce curtailment risks for consumers. * The TOD energy banking rule is intended to disincentivize drawing off-peak banked energy during peak hours, potentially leading to better load management and grid stability. This may also incentivize consumers to consume the banked energy during off-peak times, hence leveling the load. * Overall, the changes aim to optimize the open access framework and promote efficient energy consumption. **9. Conclusion:** The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the State of Goa and Union Territories Connectivity and Open Access in Intra State Transmission and Distribution Second Amendment Regulations, 2022, introduces key changes related to drawal limits for partial Open Access Consumers and rules concerning Time of Day energy banking. These amendments aim to provide flexibility, improve grid stability, and promote efficient energy consumption within the specified regions. Affected stakeholders, particularly partial Open Access Consumers and Distribution Licensees, should carefully review and adapt to these changes within the stipulated timelines.

Key Entities Referenced