CERC amends deviation settlement regulations for solar projects

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued the CERC (Deviation Settlement Mechanism and Related Matters) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024. 

The amendment addresses implementation challenges and refines operational procedures for solar projects.

Under the updated guidelines, solar projects must conduct trial runs with a minimum capacity of 50 megawatts (MW). Projects exceeding 50 MW can complete trial runs in up to four instalments. For projects with a capacity of 250 MW or more, trial runs can be conducted in 50 MW instalments without a limit on instalments.

Generating stations must notify the regional load despatch centre (RLDC) and beneficiaries at least seven days before the trial runs and secure prior RLDC permission for any interchange of infirm power. Scheduling of power is allowed only after the RLDC issues a successful trial run certificate.