SLDC to Pay for Irregular Curtailment of Wind, Solar Power

If any SLDC curtails wind or solar power for any reason other than grid safety or security or as prescribed in respective grid code/ regulation, they shall be liable for making good the loss incurred by the wind or solar power generators towards deemed generation.

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The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an order making State Load Dispatch Centres (SLDCs) liable in case of irregular curtailment of renewable energy i.e. wind and solar power.

As per Indian Electricity Grid Code 2010 and various State Grid Codes/ Regulations under the Electricity Act 2003, ‘Must Run’ status has been accorded to renewable energy (wind and solar power).

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As per the existing instructions, wind and solar power can be curtailed only for reasons of grid safety and security, after communicating reasons (in writing) to power generation companies.

The move came after power ministry notices that these rules have been violated by some SLDCs, and they are resorting to large scale backing down of wind and solar power.

The ministry stated in a notification that “it is reiterated that the ‘Must Run’ status of wind and solar projects be honoured in letter and spirit and curtailment of such power be done only for reasons of grid safety and security and that too after communicating instructions detailing reasons for curtailment to the generators in writing.”

It further added that, if any SLDC curtails wind or solar power for any reason other than grid safety or security or as prescribed in respective grid code/ regulation, they shall be liable for making good the loss incurred by the wind or solar power generators towards deemed generation.

So, the SLDCs may be advised accordingly, MNRE said.