Odisha becomes first state to issues tender with an option of Virtual Net Metering (VNM) for 6.5 MW solar PV projects under RESCO mode – EQ

The Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has issued a tender for setting up of 6.5 MW solar projects for govt buildings of Health department under RESCO model. The bidders have an option to chose to set up the solar projects on the rooftop of the identified buildings with Net Metering or on land within the same Discom’s area, with Virtual Net Metering (VNM) (bidder has to find its own land).

Odisha is one of the few states in the country which has released regulations and SOP for Virtual Net Metering (VNM) and Group Net Metering (GNM) for RE projects of capacity up to 500 kW. This is the first tender in India which allows bidders to participate under RESCO. Successful implementation of these projects will bring more speed to distributed RE installations with the new regulations of VNM and GNM.

OREDA has also kept the provision of Payment Security Fund (PSF) to ensure the timely payment to the vendors for the supply of solar energy. The selected bidder will enter into a Tri Partite Agreement (TPA) with the beneficiary department, and OREDA for supply of solar power under Net Metering/ Virtual Net Metering.

Recently, OREDA had also issued tender for 4 MW rooftop solar in Bhubaneswar Green City under RESCO mode.