ApTel order on waiver of RPO by GERC

In its order pertaining to FY 2012-13, GERC had waived or exempted obligated entities from RPO. In doing so, GERC has ignored the availability of RECs, and also reduced RPO differentially for each obligated entity, to the extent met by them. In earlier years, GERC had rolled-forward the RPO.
The Aptel found several inconsistencies with the approach of GERC. In the order it stated:

• RPO can be revised, but effort to comply has to be demonstrated. The order states:

“The State Commission can revise the RPO before or during a year or after passing of year under Regulation 4.2 of RE Regulation 2010 as explained under paragraphs 47 to 51 above. If the distribution licensee has not made efforts to procure requisite renewable energy to fulfill the RPO and also has not procured REC, the State Commission should not revise RPO under Regulation 4.2. However, while revising the RPO targets, the State commission has to ensure that such revision should not defeat the object of the Electricity Act and the Regulations.”

• If RPO are revised due to inadequate capacity addition in the state, such revision has to be uniform for all obligated entities.

• RPO cannot be carried forward when RECs are available. The order states:

“…before exercising power order Regulation 9, the State Commission has to satisfy itself that there was difficulty in meeting the RPO from purchase of REC. Therefore, non-availability of REC is a pre-conditition for carry forward under Regulation 9.”
The detailed order can be read here