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In a notable authorized continuing earlier than the Maharashtra Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (MERC), M/s. Rajlakshmi Minerals (RM) contested a discover from the Maharashtra State Electrical energy Distribution Co. Ltd (MSEDCL). This dispute centered on allegations of RM’s non-compliance with a Wind Power Buy Settlement (WEPA) dated August 20, 2014. The contentious discover, dated January 5, 2023, accused RM of not putting in particular person meters at every wind turbine location, failing to keep up particular person era information, and never putting in a circuit breaker at particular person wind power mills (WEG).
RM, a wind power generator, argued that the WEPA didn’t require particular person meters at every WEG, asserting that group metering was accepted and meter readings have been taken from a standard meter because the commissioning of its wind farms. RM additional contended that it had all the time maintained the mandatory operational information in an digital format at a central location and that the requirement for a circuit breaker didn’t apply to its WEGs, every having a capability under the 1 MW threshold the place such set up turns into obligatory.
MSEDCL’s response refuted RM’s claims, insisting on the set up of particular person meters for correct power accounting and billing, upkeep of operational information on the facility, and the need of circuit breakers for grid security. MSEDCL highlighted these measures as vital for making certain grid integrity and stopping undue fee for power generated.
The Fee’s detailed evaluation addressed the core problems with meter set up, upkeep of operational information, and circuit breaker necessities. It underscored the historic context of group metering practices in Maharashtra’s wind power sector, emphasizing the necessity for clear and truthful implementation of such practices. The Fee dominated that if wind generators shared a standard evacuation system however had totally different homeowners or tariff charges, particular person metering was essential to apportion generated power precisely.
On the matter of operational information, the Fee discovered that RM had maintained essential information however acknowledged RM’s argument that MSEDCL’s inspection lacked prior discover. Concerning circuit breakers, the Fee famous the absence of a selected mandate for his or her set up on particular person WEGs underneath the capability of 1 MW however acknowledged their significance for grid security on the pooling substation stage.
In the end, the Fee partly allowed RM’s petition, directing RM to put in particular person meters and circuit breakers (if relevant) inside specified timelines. The Fee’s choice highlighted the significance of adherence to contractual obligations and regulatory requirements within the renewable power sector, balancing the necessity for grid stability with the practicalities of wind farm operations. This ruling units a precedent for resolving comparable disputes within the sector, underscoring the Fee’s function in upholding truthful practices whereas advancing Maharashtra’s renewable power objectives.
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