The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued suo moto order on blending of imported coal with domestic coal.
To facilitate availability of adequate quantum of coal in thermal power plants to ensure smooth and uninterrupted generation and in turn to aid the distribution companies to meet their universal supply obligation to consumers, CERC has relaxed the provisions of sub-regulation (3) of Regulation 43. The first proviso of sub Regulation (3) of Regulation 43 of 2019 Tariff Regulations shall be read as ‘Provided that in such case, prior permission from beneficiaries shall not be a precondition for blending up to 6 per cent by weight genco wise from alternate sources of fuel supply including imported coal, subject to technical feasibility, unless otherwise agreed specifically in the power purchase agreement.’ The operation of second and third provisos of sub Regulation 3 of Regulation 43 of 2019 Tariff Regulations shall be kept in abeyance. The directions shall remain operative till September 30, 2023 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.