General Network Access (GNA)
- November 14, 2022
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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General Network Access (GNA)
Subject :Economy
Context:
The regulatory framework — called General Network Access (GNA) regulations — seeks to do away with predetermined point-to-point transmission access.
Details:
- On December 16, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission came out with a draft proposal to facilitate a regulatory framework for General Network Access (GNA) .
- It aims to tide up the problem of transmission constraints and foster open access to help develop a seamlessly integrated electricity market.
- At present, a power generator has to work out how the electricity will be wheeled to the consumer under the point-to-point access concept.
- GNA will enable them to supply from any point, as long as the quantum contracted for is met.
- The concern is that these connectivity regulations could potentially end up favouring the bigger players in the sector.
Concept:
General Network Access (GNA)?
- GNA means open access to the inter-State transmission system.
- Technically speaking, GNA is a non-discriminatory access to the inter-State transmission system for an estimated maximum injection and for a consumer to draw for a specified period. This is in keeping with the concept of “one nation, one grid”.
- If the concept becomes a reality, then it will ensure that a generator focuses only on producing power and the consumer on buying it. How it will be transmitted will no longer be a restriction or a challenge.
- Today a power generator has to also work out how the supply will be done due to the point-to-point access concept which, according to the producers, is restrictive. GNA will allow them to supply from any point, as long as the quantum contracted for is met.
Eligibility criteria-According to the draft, the following entities shall be eligible as applicants for grant of GNA or for enhancement of the quantum of GNA:
- State Transmission Utility on behalf of distribution licencees connected to intra-State transmission system and other intra-State entities;
- A buying entity connected to intra-State transmission system; Draft Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and General Network Access to the inter-State transmission System) Regulations, 2021;
- A distribution licencee or a bulk consumer, seeking to connect to ISTS, directly, with a load of 50 MW and above;
- Trading licencees engaged in cross-border trade of electricity in terms of the Cross Border Regulations;
- Transmission licencee connected to ISTS for drawal of auxiliary power.
- Entities not covered here, but as on the date of coming into force of these regulations, are connected to the inter-State Transmission or for whom Connectivity granted under Connectivity regulations has become effective, shall be eligible for applying for grant of GNA to the inter-State transmission system for the quantum equal to the quantum of connectivity.
How is GNA different from the point-to-point access concept?
Conceptually GNA does away with pre-determined specific point-to-point access and allows access or drawal on the entire beltway, thus providing generators and procurers the choice of injection and drawal.
What is the reason for replacing the existing regulations?
- proper planning of transmission system and
- assured recovery of transmission charges from the applicant.