RSA approaches RERC for reduction in transmission charges

Rajasthan Solar Association (RSA) has approached Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) seeking relief from high inter-state transmission charges for the solar projects in the state.
"The reduction (in the inter-state transmission charges) will give a jump start to the state government's goal of 25,000 MW of solar capacity," RSA General Secretary Sunil Bansal said here today.
This would lead to an investment of approximately Rs 1.75 lakh crore, generate around one lakh permanent jobs, and over 25 lakh temporary jobs in the state, Bansal said.
He said Rajasthan has huge potential to produce solar power due to better solar insolation and availability of large tracts of barren land.

"On the other hand, many other states in the country find it difficult to meet their solar requirements and could simply switch to buying of solar power from Rajasthan," Bansal said.
Solar projects set-up in Rajasthan, however, have to bear highest impact of state transmission charges and losses compared to any other states, he said, adding as per RSA estimate the impact was as high as Rs 1.19/KWh for power generated in Rajasthan.

RSA Treasurer Rajkumar Gupta, said that Rajasthan was levying transmission charges on the basis of per megawatt (MW) capacity and not the energy generated.
"This penalises renewable technologies such as solar, as it operates at lower unilisation factor. Ratonalising charges from capacity to number of units of generated would greatly help the cause of solar generation in Rajasthan.

"RSA look forward to work with state government on rationalising transmission charges and undertake other suitable measures to promote growth of solar energy in Rajasthan," Gupta said.