State can’t curtail solar power at convenience, says Tamil Nadu electricity regulator

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The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has stated that the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) cannot curtail solar power at its convenience, adding that backing down of the “must run status” power should be resorted to only after all other possible means of achieving and ensuring grid stability and reliable power supply are exhausted.

The statement comes after NSEFI petitioned that its members, including Adani Green Energy (Tamil Nadu) and Greenko, are facing huge financial losses against their investment due to continuous backing down/curtailment instructions from Tamil Nadu State Load Dispatch Centre (TNSLDC).

Noting the lack of explanation for the curtailment instructions, the regulator said that “it gives rise to a suspicion that the backing down instructions [by TNSLDC] were not solely for the purpose of ensuing grid safety.”

Under these circumstances, the regulator said, it is necessary to direct the SLDC to ensure evacuation of the solar power generations connected to the state grid to the fullest possible extent, truly recognising the ‘must run status’ assigned to it in full spirit.

In the petition, NSEFI submitted that Adani Green Energy (Tamil Nadu) Limited (AGETNL) and its four subsidiaries have faced losses to the tune of Rs 202.21 crore from the date of project commissioning. Greenko Group, which has installed various solar power plants in the State, is also facing huge losses due to curtailment.

Citing discrimination among solar and wind power procurement, NSEFI said that “the TNSLDC is procuring more wind power and issuing backing down instructions to solar power projects without providing any reasons. The sole reason for regular backing down is to avoid commercial impact of procuring high cost solar power.”

“It can be clearly inferred from the backing down data of AGETNL and its subsidiaries that TANGEDCO is curtailing only those projects which are entitled to a tariff of Rs 7.01/kWh,” stated NSEFI.

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