(1) Preamble –
Energy is a prime mover of the development of any economy. While conventional fuels like coal and oil have been the primary sources for energy, their long term availability has been an area of concern. Further, their increased usage has led to high concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, which is a growing concern with regard to global warming and resultant climate changes.
The current energy requirement of the state of Madhya Pradesh is heavily dependent on conventional energy sources. The Government of Madhya Pradesh (GoMP) acknowledges the increasing concern related to climate change, global warming and has recognised the urgent need to address these issues. The promotion of Renewable Energy is one of the key measures taken by the GoMP in this direction. Today Renewable Energy is increasingly becoming an integral part of energy security initiative in the state.
The state of Madhya Pradesh is endowed with high solar radiation with around 300 days of clear sun. The state offers good sites having potential of more than 5.5 kWh/ sq.m/per day for installation of Solar based power projects. The GoMP has been promoting the setting up of Renewable Energy based power plants through various Policy initiatives and incentives for Investors/Developers. GoMP had earlier issued the Incentive Policy for encouraging generation of power in Madhya Pradesh through Non-conventional Energy Sources in 2006. This Policy period got over in October 2011. Considering the huge untapped potential of solar energy in Madhya Pradesh, the need for a revised Investor/Developer friendly policy was being felt. By inclusion of all aspects of necessities of solar power sector, this policy has been formulated in which present statutory status of power generation and distribution as well as regulatory frame work has been considered.
(2) Regulatory Framework –
a) The Electricity Act, 2003 has been in force since June, 2003. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, any private individual or Agency is free to set up a Power Generation Plant and they shall have right to open access of the transmission facility.
b) Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) is functioning since 1999 and the orders / Regulations passed by the Commission from time to time shall be applicable to the provisions of this Policy. Similarly, Acts passed by Government of India in respect of Power Sector shall also be applicable to provisions of this Policy. In case of any discrepancy between the provisions of this Policy and Orders/Regulations issued by the MPERC, the orders/Regulations issued by the MPERC will take precedence.
Objectives of the Madhya Pradesh Solar Policy –
The objectives of the Policy are as follows:
a) To encourage participation of Private Sector to set up Solar Power based projects in the State.
b) To define the incentives and benefits to be provided to the participants of the Private Sector in clear terms.
c) To build a favourable atmosphere for setting up Solar Power projects.
d) Lay down framework for policy implementation.
Part – A
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF POLICY
1. Operative Period – This Policy shall become operative from the date of its notification in the Madhya Pradesh State Gazette.
2. Applicability:
a) All Solar energy based power project Developers (Solar PV/Solar thermal) and manufacturing units of equipments, ancillaries related to Solar Power projects shall be eligible for benefits under the Policy.
b) Only new plant and machinery shall be eligible for installation under the Policy.
3. Participation – For the development of Solar power Projects under this policy, any Individual/ Firm/ Society/ Institution/ Registered Company etc. shall be eligible to apply.
Madhya Pradesh DISCOMs Official Websites:
M.P. Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Co – http://www.smartbijlee.mpez.co.in/view/net_metering/net_metering_form.php
M.P.Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Co. – https://rooftop.mpcz.in/uwp_rooftop2/home
M.P.Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Co. – https://mpwzservices.mpwin.co.in/mpeb_english/home