Latest news with #ElectricPowerTransmissionAssociation
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Private power firms urge gradual phase-out of green energy transmission waiver
Private sector power transmission companies have sought a graded reduction of incentives for moving renewable energy across states, instead of a steep cut. In a representation to the Centre, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA) urged the government to adopt a more flexible approach to the planned withdrawal of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver. As part of its suggestions, EPTA proposed a milestone-based eligibility framework that would allow projects showing significant progress, but delayed due to external challenges, to continue benefiting from the ISTS waiver . "These projects should be given a few more months to complete construction so that they come under the ambit of the ISTS waiver," an EPTA statement said. The association recommended a more gradual phase-out of the waiver, starting with a 10 per cent withdrawal each year instead of the proposed 25 per cent. Such a calibrated approach would significantly ease the impact of the waiver's withdrawal on the cost of green power, EPTA added.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Transcos seek gradual weaning of incentive
Private sector power transmission companies have sought a graded reduction of incentives for moving renewable energy across states, instead of a steep cut. In a representation to the Centre, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA) urged the government to adopt a more flexible approach to the planned withdrawal of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver. As part of its suggestions, EPTA proposed a milestone-based eligibility framework that would allow projects showing significant progress, but delayed due to external challenges, to continue benefiting from the ISTS waiver. "These projects should be given a few more months to complete construction so that they come under the ambit of the ISTS waiver ," an EPTA statement said. The association recommended a more gradual phase-out of the waiver, starting with a 10% withdrawal each year instead of the proposed 25%. Such a calibrated approach would significantly ease the impact of the waiver's withdrawal on the cost of green power, EPTA added. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Transmission body seeks flexible ISTS waiver phase-out for RE sector
As India advances towards its ambitious target of 500 GW renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA), the apex body for transmission companies, has urged the government to adopt a more flexible approach to the planned withdrawal of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver. It has also suggested that the government explore alternative viable options to offer critical relief to renewable energy developers. Since its introduction in 2016, the ISTS waiver—critical to India's green energy transition—has been extended only once and is now slated for phased withdrawal starting July 1, 2025. EPTA has proposed a milestone-based eligibility framework that would allow projects with significant progress, but delayed due to external challenges, to continue availing themselves of the ISTS waiver, G P Upadhyaya, director general of the association, told reporters on Monday. According to EPTA, such projects should be granted a few more months to complete construction so they may qualify under the current waiver regime. Alternatively, the association recommended a more gradual phase-out of the waiver, beginning with a 10 per cent withdrawal every year instead of the proposed 25 per cent. The industry believes that a 25 per cent annual withdrawal would disrupt ongoing projects, jeopardise investments and undermine cost competitiveness, especially for commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers who already pay among the highest electricity tariffs globally. 'Such a calibrated approach would significantly ease the impact of the waiver's withdrawal on the cost of green power, thereby allowing RE power to stay competitive and attract more investments in this key sector,' Upadhyaya said. 'We are not seeking a blanket extension. We are only proposing that the projects which have achieved key development milestones—such as securing financial closure, acquiring at least 50 per cent of required land, and placing key equipment orders—should be granted a six-to-nine-month window to avail themselves of the ISTS waiver benefits,' he added. This request aligns with Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's announcement at a press conference earlier this month extending the ISTS waiver on pumped hydro and battery storage projects till June 2028 from the earlier deadline of this June. Among other key issues in the transmission sector, EPTA stressed the critical need to scale up domestic manufacturing of 765 kV HVDC equipment under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, given that European imports are currently fully booked and expensive, while restrictions on Chinese imports continue. The association also highlighted the planned offshore transmission line from the Andaman Islands to Paradip in Odisha under the One Sun, One World, One Grid initiative. This project will help shift power in the islands from fossil fuel-based sources to green energy from the mainland. EPTA further noted India's growing grid strength and its potential for future cross-border connections, including possible links from Andaman to Singapore and from Gujarat to the UAE.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
EPTA urges phased ISTS waiver withdrawal to support renewable energy projects
New Delhi: As India moves towards achieving 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA) has urged the government to reconsider the planned withdrawal of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver, proposing milestone-based eligibility and phased rollback mechanisms to support developers affected by external delays. The ISTS waiver , introduced in 2016, has been extended only once and is now scheduled for phased withdrawal starting July 1, 2025. According to EPTA, the current plan to reduce the waiver benefit by 25 per cent each year may negatively impact ongoing renewable energy projects , affect investment flows, and increase power costs for commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers, who already face some of the highest electricity tariffs globally. EPTA has proposed a 10 per cent annual withdrawal plan instead of the proposed 25 per cent, stating that a calibrated approach would minimise cost escalation and ensure continued competitiveness of green power. "The government has been very supportive of the sector and has introduced number of policy measures, particularly in the last six months. We are very hopeful that the government will again take a more pragmatic view on the ISTS waiver issue,' said G.P. Upadhyaya , Director General, EPTA. 'We are not seeking a blanket extension. We are only proposing that the projects which have achieved key development milestones, such as securing financial closure, acquiring at least 50% of required land, and placing key equipment orders, should be granted a 6-9 month window to avail the ISTS waiver benefits,' Upadhyaya said. The association has requested that projects with significant progress but delayed by uncontrollable factors be granted limited additional time to come under the waiver's ambit. EPTA's submission aligns with milestone-linked waivers already extended for pumped hydro and battery storage projects until June 2028. EPTA highlighted that over USD 100 billion in transmission investment is expected in the next 8 to 10 years, with the sector playing a central role in India's renewable energy transition. The association has also called for scaling up domestic manufacturing of 765 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) equipment under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, citing constraints in importing from European and Chinese manufacturers. The industry body also mentioned key infrastructure initiatives such as the planned offshore transmission line from the Andaman Islands to Paradip in Odisha, under the One Sun, One World, One Grid initiative. The project aims to connect the island's demand centres with green power from the mainland. It further pointed to India's growing grid strength and its potential to facilitate cross-border links, including possible future connections from the Andaman Islands to Singapore and from Gujarat to the UAE.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
EPTA urges extension of ISTS charges waiver for green projects to 2026
Apex industry body Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA) on Monday urged the government to safeguard the viability of around 30 GW clean energy projects facing risks from delays beyond the control of developers by extending the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges waiver till March 2026. Investments of about Rs 2 lakh crore will be impacted if a relief is not given to the players in the form of extension in the waiver, G P Upadhyaya, the Director General of EPTA said while speaking to the media in the national capital. The government had announced a waiver for solar and wind projects to be set up and commissioned by June 30, 2025. Upadhyaya said "around 30 GW green capacity are under advance stages of development across various states. These projects are unlikely to be set up before June this year on account of multiple reasons". The capacity has been delayed due to reasons beyond power companies' control and they may move to CERC (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission) for solutions that may further delay in commissioning of these projects spread over states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra among others. In some places there is issue of land availability, local issues, Great Indian bustard (a bustard is especially found in Rajasthan and Gujarat), he said in reply to a question on reasons for delay in projects. On a solution, the DG said, "We are not seeking a blanket extension. We are only proposing that the projects which have achieved key development milestones, such as securing financial closure, acquiring at least 50 per cent of required land, and placing key equipment orders, should be granted a 6-9 month window to avail the ISTS waiver benefits." As another alternative, Upadhyaya suggested recommended a more gradual phase-out of the waiver, starting with a 10 per cent withdrawal every year instead of the proposed 25 per cent. Such a calibrated approach would significantly ease the impact of the waiver's withdrawal on the cost of green power, thereby allowing RE power to stay competitive and attract more investments in this key sector. The industry is of the view that the proposed withdrawal at 25 per cent per year will disrupt ongoing projects, jeopardise investments, and undermine cost competitiveness, especially for commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers who already pay among the highest electricity tariffs globally, he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
