Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Ltd (TNGECL) has proposed changes to peak hours and solar power adjustments for industries, citing financial losses.
While TNGECL argues these changes are necessary, industries are concerned about potential hardships, especially those heavily invested in solar energy. Comments on the proposal can be submitted to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) until November.
Under the proposal, peak hours would shift from 6am to 10am to 6am to 8am, and from 6pm to 10pm to 5pm to midnight, during which power consumption and tariff charges are higher.
Currently, industries can adjust solar power generated from captive plants from 10pm to 5am If the proposal is accepted, this adjustment will no longer be allowed after 5pm. “Evening peak power demand has extended up to midnight due to increased use of air conditioners and the IT sector. The cost of power during late-night hours has risen, making it comparable to peak hours. Allowing industries to adjust captive solar power from 10pm onwards results in losses for the board. Hence we have suggested the changes,” said a TNGECL official.
Industry representatives warn that these changes could severely impact their operations. “If TNERC accepts the proposal, it will greatly damage industries that have invested heavily in solar power and will have a strong ripple effect on final production costs,” said K Venkatachalam, chief advisor to Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills Association (TASMA).
Read More: TNGECL: Industries Alarmed by Proposed Changes to Peak Hour Tariffs in Tamil