Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2024

In a significant development, the Central Government, in exercise of its authority under Section 176 of the Electricity Act, 2003, has introduced amendments to the Electricity Rules, 2005. These modifications, titled the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2024, are set to be effective upon their official publication in the Gazette. One of the key changes involves the renumbering of the existing Rule 21 to Rule 24 in the Electricity Rules, 2005. Additionally, two new rules, 21 and 22, have been introduced. Rule 21 outlines the provisions for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of dedicated transmission lines. Notably, entities such as generating companies, those setting up captive generating plants, Energy Storage Systems, or consumers with a load of at least 25 MW (for Inter State Transmission System) or 10 MW (for Intra-State Transmission System) are exempt from obtaining a license under the Act for their dedicated transmission lines, provided they comply with specified regulations and standards. Rule 22 addresses Open Access Charges, covering aspects like wheeling charges, charges for using State Transmission Utility networks, and additional surcharges for Open Access Consumers. The formula for calculating wheeling charges is defined, and limitations on charges for using the State Transmission Utility network are established.