(a) whether the Electricity Act, 2003 mandates the formulation of the
National Electricity Policy and plan for the development of power systems
based on optimal utilisation of resources including renewable sources of
energy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether a duty has been cast under the Act on the State Electricity
Regulatory Authority to fix a minimum percentage for purchase of electricity
from renewable sources; and
(d) if so, the follow up action taken thereon?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI)
(a) & (b) : Yes, Madam, Section 3 of the Electricity Act, 2003 mandates for
formulation of National Electricity Policy and Plan. The provisions of the Policy
are at Annex-I.
(c) : Section 86 (1)(e) of the Electricity Act 2003 provides that the
State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERC) will promote co-generation
and generation of electricity from renewable sources of energy by providing
suitable measures for connectivity with the grid and sale of electricity to any
person, and also specify, for purchase of electricity from such sources, a
percentage of the total consumption of electricity in the area of a distribution
licensee.
Clause 6.4 of the Tariff Policy also provides that pursuant to
provisions of Section 86 (1)(e) of the Act, the Appropriate Commission shall fix a
minimum percentage for purchase of energy from such sources taking into
account availability of such resources in the region and its impact on retail
tariffs. Such percentage for purchase of energy should be made applicable for
the tariffs to be determined by the SERCs latest by April 1, 2006.
(d) : 24 States have specified Renewable Energy purchase obligation
(RPO). A statement indicating the percentage RPO specified by SERCs is at
Annex-II.