Open Access Charges for Interstate Transmission of Solar Power at CTU Network
The use of renewable energy sources has been on the rise in recent times, and this is especially true in the case of solar power. Solar power is one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy, and it has become increasingly popular among businesses and industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. However, for businesses looking to use solar power, it’s important to understand the open access charges associated with the transmission of power.
Open access refers to the provision of non-discriminatory access to the transmission and distribution infrastructure to all power generators and consumers. Open access allows consumers to purchase electricity from any generator of their choice, irrespective of the location of the generator. In the case of solar power, open access can be used to transmit power from a solar power plant located in one state to a consumer located in another state.
Open access charges are the costs incurred for using the transmission infrastructure for the transmission of electricity. These charges are divided into various components such as transmission charges, wheeling charges, losses, and various other charges. These charges vary from state to state and depend on various factors such as the mode of open access, duration of open access, voltage level, and connectivity.
Let’s take the example of Rajasthan and Haryana to understand how open access charges are calculated in the case of interstate transmission of solar power.
Injection State: Rajasthan Injection Level: CTU Drawl State: Haryana Drawl Level: STU/Discom Drawl Connectivity Voltage: 132 kV OA Mode: Captive OA Duration: LTOA/MTOA Tariff ex-bus bar: 4.00 INR/kWh
Based on the above inputs, the following are the open access charges for the interstate transmission of solar power from Rajasthan to Haryana:
- Open access charges: 1.39 INR/kWh
- CTU charges: 0.00 INR/kWh
- CTU losses: 0.13 INR/kWh
- STU charges: 0.37 INR/kWh
- STU losses: 0.10 INR/kWh
- Wheeling charges: 0.47 INR/kWh
- Wheeling losses: 0.00 INR/kWh
- Cross-subsidy surcharge: 0.00 INR/kWh
- Additional surcharge: 0.00 INR/kWh
- LDC charges: 0.15 INR/kWh
- Banking charges: 0.17 INR/kWh
- Electricity duty: 0.00 INR/kWh
The landed OA tariff for the transmission of solar power from Rajasthan to Haryana is 5.39 INR/kWh, which includes all the charges mentioned above. It’s important to note that the landed OA tariff varies depending on the location of the injection and drawl point, the mode of open access, the duration of open access, and other factors.
In conclusion, understanding open access charges is crucial for businesses looking to use solar power and other renewable energy sources. It’s important to take into account all the charges associated with the transmission of power when deciding to switch to renewable energy sources. Additionally, the government is making efforts to reduce the open access charges to encourage businesses to switch to renewable energy sources, which is a step towards a greener and sustainable future.