Srinagar: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued regulations governing the power procurement process, ‘with a focus on load forecasts, resource plans, and guidelines with these regulations being applicable to the Jammu and Kashmir Power Corporation Ltd (JKPCL) and all distribution licensees in the region.
According to the announcement, the guidelines cover inter/intra-state purchases of power from both conventional and renewable sources. JKPCL and distribution licensees are required to prepare a comprehensive power procurement plan for a period of five years, considering the electricity demand in their respective areas of supply.
"The plan may include long-term, medium-term, and short-term sources of power purchase, as per demand–supply position, in accordance with these Regulations," stated the notification.
The power procurement plan is outlined as a framework for long-term forecasting of power demand, energy requirements, and supply positions, it said.
It stated that the necessity for developing power purchase agreements/arrangements with various sources, including state-owned old and new generation facilities, central sector plants, independent power producers (IPP), captive power plants, power trading companies, power markets, or any other suitable source.
“Distribution licensees, in collaboration with JKPCL, are mandated to submit the power procurement plan for the multi-year control period. The plan, along with necessary supporting documents, is to be presented for approval as part of the business plan. The commission retains the authority to call for additional information during the review process and may request the licensee to demonstrate the methodology used for power procurement forecasting,” reads the notification.
Furthermore, distribution licensees, in conjunction with JKPCL, are directed to categorize existing generation capacity and any planned additions based on technology/fuel-wise considerations to achieve an optimal energy mix to meet the growing energy demand, it added.
(Inputs, KNO)