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MASMA, Urja express concerns about MERC’s proposed draft regulations

MASMA, Urja express concerns about MERC’s proposed draft regulations

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Aurangabad, Maharashtra: The Urja Manch and Maharashtra Solar Manufacturers’ Association (MASMA) on Saturday expressed concerns that if MERC’s proposed draft regulations for renewable energy are implemented, it would destroy the solar industry in the state.

Addressing a joint news conference here, energy expert Hemant Kapadia of Urja Manch said that the proposed regulations were not as “consumer-friendly” as the existing ones.

He said that under the existing regulations of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), if an industrial consumer generates and uses solar power of 10,000 units and consumes another 40,000 units of power supplied by MSEDCL, the consumer has to pay only for the 40,000 units.

The energy bill at existing rate of Rs seven per unit would be around Rs 2.80 lakh, however, as per the proposed regulations, the consumer would have to pay for entire consumption of 50,000 units and the charges for the solar power would be deducted at the prescribed rate of around Rs 3.5 per unit, he said.

Mr Kapadia further said that different stakeholders, including consumers and industrial associations, have submitted their suggestions and objections. Till now 40,000 objections have been raised against the new policy with the energy commission, he added.

Another member Amit Bhoma said that the proposed regulations for solar power do not promote the use of renewable energy, but discourage it.

Instead of providing incentives for using solar power, the authorities have been making the process rigid and complex, he said.

Hence, they (stakeholders) have demanded to continue with the existing policy for the welfare of people. Against implementation of these draft regulations, agitations have been taking place across the state, Mr Bhoma added.

Source: UNI
Anand Gupta Editor - EQ Int'l Media Network

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