The Renewable Energy Producers Association (REPA) of Tamil Nadu has raised concerns over delays in processing lifetime extensions for wind energy generators (WEGs) that have completed 20 years of operation. The Association has written to the Chiefs of TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) and TNGECL (Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Ltd) to delegate the authority for processing addendums to energy wheeling agreements (EWAs) to Circle Level Superintending Engineers.
The Association believes this move would significantly ease business operations and eliminate unnecessary delays in extending the lifetime of WEGs that have completed 20 years of operation.
Currently, the process is being centrally handled by the Chief Engineer (NCES) office, leading to backlogs and delays. The association highlighted that these delays have led to the blocking of the AMR Portal, preventing WEGs from allocating power for captive consumption at the beginning of each month. This has caused widespread difficulties, as authorities of the distribution utility mandate power allotments before the 7th of each month, creating a paradox where compliance becomes challenging due to system blockages, the Association said in their communication to the Chiefs of TANGEDCO and TNGECL.
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The issue of lifetime extensions for WEGs is under judicial review, with the Hon’ble Madras High Court previously ordering TNGECL to execute the required addendums in a judgment dated January 27, 2022. However, due to an appeal by TANGEDCO, the matter is still pending before the Division Bench, which has nonetheless directed compliance with the earlier order until a final decision is reached,
Representing over 700 renewable energy generators with a combined capacity of more than 7,000 MW in Tamil Nadu, REPA has urged heads of State Power Organisations to take immediate steps to streamline the process.
K Venkatachalam, Chief Advisor and CEO of REPA, emphasised that granting execution powers to the Circle Level Superintending Engineers—who are the actual signatories to the addendums —would remove bureaucratic roadblocks and ensure smoother operations for the renewable energy sector in the State.