Chhattisgarh Solar Policy Update: CSERC Waives Dedicated Feeder Rule
The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has made a significant shift in solar policy, exempting captive solar open access projects from installing dedicated feeders. This September 2025 ruling could reduce costs by 15-20% for industrial solar adoption, accelerating the state’s renewable energy transition.
Key Benefits of Dedicated Feeder Exemption
Previously, industries needed separate power lines for captive solar plants – requiring expensive transformers, switchgear, and facing lengthy approval processes. CSERC’s decision streamlines installations under the state’s Open Access Regulation, eliminating infrastructure bottlenecks.
Major Beneficiaries of New Policy
Energy-intensive operations including petitioner M/s Radiant Coal Beneficiation gain immediate advantages – their 5MW solar plant avoids ₹25-30 lakh/km feeder costs. The change particularly benefits:
- Textile mills
- Cement plants
- Steel factories across Raipur-Bhilai industrial belt
Eligibility Requirements
The waiver comes with specific conditions:
- Solar system must meet 51% of connected load
- Wheeling charges apply (₹1.20/unit current rate)
- Inverter specs must match DISCOM standards
Grid Stability Considerations
While some engineers raised fluctuation concerns, CSERC studies show modern solar arrays actually improve grid health – a win for solar innovation and grid integration.
Financial Impacts
A 10MW captive plant saves ₹2.8 crore upfront by eliminating feeder infrastructure, shrinking payback periods from 5 to 3.5 years – faster than neighboring states’ policies. Combined with PLI scheme incentives, solar manufacturing growth makes ROI increasingly attractive.
Implementation Timeline
Developers should file open access applications before March 2026 banking charge revisions. Many are using digital approval platforms to accelerate the process.
