Regulatory source: Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) governs open access in Gujarat. Always verify the latest tariff order and applicable charges before committing to a contract, as GERC orders are revised periodically.
Why Gujarat for open access solar?
- Annual solar irradiance in Gujarat (Kutch, Saurashtra, north Gujarat) averages 5.5–6.0 kWh/m²/day — among the highest in India.
- Gujarat has one of the largest ground-mounted solar project bases in the country, giving C&I buyers access to a mature pool of open access generators.
- GERC has progressively reduced cross-subsidy surcharge (CSS) for renewable energy categories in its recent tariff orders.
- Gujarat Solar Policy and GUVNL's competitive tender programme have created a pipeline of grid-connected projects available for third-party supply.
Eligibility for open access in Gujarat
| Parameter | Applicable rule |
|---|
| Minimum contracted demand | 1 MW (short-term and long-term intra-state open access) |
| Consumer category | HT/EHT industrial & commercial consumers |
| Supply type | Intra-state (within Gujarat grid) or inter-state from Rajasthan/other states through CTU/STU |
| Application authority | Relevant DISCOM (DGVCL, MGVCL, PGVCL, UGVCL) or GUVNL for transmission-level consumers |
Key charges in Gujarat (2026)
| Charge | Status for renewable (solar) OA | Notes |
|---|
| Wheeling charge | Applicable | As per current GERC tariff order; rate depends on voltage level |
| Cross-subsidy surcharge (CSS) | Reduced / waived in eligible categories | GERC has provided CSS relief for renewable OA under recent orders; verify current order |
| Additional surcharge | Typically waived for renewable | Applicable only if DISCOM has excess power obligation; waived for solar in many GERC orders |
| Transmission charge (STU) | Applicable | Gujarat STU charges for use of high-voltage transmission network |
| Scheduling charge / SLDC fee | Applicable | Gujarat SLDC levies a nominal scheduling and deviation settlement charge |
| Banking charge | Applicable where permitted | Banking of surplus solar is available in defined windows; banking charges apply |
Application process — step by step
- Identify a generator: Source a solar project developer with open access approval or the capacity to apply.
- Submit OA application: File with the relevant DISCOM (e.g., PGVCL for Saurashtra) or GUVNL transmission. Include generator details, metered consumption data, and contracted quantity.
- DISCOM processing: 30–60 days typical lead time for intra-state STOA; longer for LTOA or first-time applications.
- SLDC slot allocation: Gujarat SLDC assigns open access slots in 15-minute time blocks. Coordinate with the generator's scheduling team.
- Metering arrangement: Special energy meter (SEM) must be installed at the consumer premises to account for open access injection and drawl separately.
- PPA and SLDC registration: Execute PPA with the generator; register the agreement with SLDC for scheduling purposes.
Group captive in Gujarat — an alternative to pure OA
For consumers below 1 MW threshold or seeking a longer-term, lower-charge structure, group captive is a widely used alternative in Gujarat. Under group captive:
- The consumer holds at least 26% equity in the generating project.
- The consumer must consume at least 51% of the energy generated by the project.
- CSS is exempt or significantly reduced for captive consumers under the Electricity Act.
- Requires a more complex legal and structuring arrangement but results in lower landed cost over a 15–25 year period.
Discuss your load size and tenure with your project developer to determine whether open access or group captive is better suited to your situation.