The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has issued a draft notification proposing the first amendment to its Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Regulations, 2024, aimed at broadening consumer eligibility and facilitating greater adoption of renewable energy in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Under the proposed Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2026, the Commission has removed the earlier requirement that restricted eligibility to consumers connected at 11 kV or above. This revision significantly widens the scope of participation by allowing consumers with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more—either through single or multiple connections within the same distribution licensee area—to access green energy.
The amendment revises key definitions, including “Entity” and “Green Energy Open Access Consumer,” by eliminating the voltage-based restriction. As per the updated provisions, any eligible consumer meeting the 100 kW threshold can procure green energy for self-use from a licensee, government entity, captive generation plant, or other authorized suppliers under the Electricity Act, 2003.
Additionally, the Commission has clarified that there will be no load limitation for setting up green energy projects for captive use. This applies irrespective of the consumer’s contracted demand or sanctioned load with distribution companies (Discoms), thereby encouraging investments in captive renewable energy generation.
The amendment also updates Regulation 8(a), reinforcing that all consumers meeting the revised demand criteria are eligible for open access to source renewable energy. The provision further reiterates that consumers with captive generating plants will not face load restrictions in relation to their agreements with Discoms.
The proposed regulations will come into effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette and will be applicable across the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi.
This move is expected to enhance green energy adoption by lowering entry barriers, promoting decentralized renewable energy generation, and aligning with broader policy objectives under the Electricity Act, 2003.
