Solar energy firms in Madhya Pradesh are in bad state as three state-owned distribution companies (discoms) are buying meager power from them. According to sources in the industry,  discoms and firms had inked a pact that the deficit would be met by solar energy, however, rate factor has prevented the discoms to go ahead.

Currently, MP power management company, which arranges power for all three discoms in the state, is buying  Solar energy from firms to the tune of 10.7 crore units annually, still leaving the deficit of 23.9 cr units. The main hindrance is the cost factor. The solar energy comes at a cost of Rs 9.30 per unit against the normal cost of Rs 1.96.

Firms – Ujaas (Indore), Welspun and Waaree – are producing solar energy in MP and feel that unless there is a new regulation in favour of producers, the solar energy situation in the state would not change.

“We are looking for a regulation that makes discoms to buy particular amount of power from the producers,” said joint managing director of Indore-based solar energy producing firm Ujaas, Anurag Mundra. Citing an example he said, the joint  electricity commission for the state of Goa and UTs has given strict instructions to respective discoms to comply with their agreement between the state government and the firms.

MD of Waree, Hitesh Doshi said, “Solar energy quota must be made mandatory for purchasers, who consume power to the tune of 1 MW or more”. However, the firms are hopeful the MP electricity regulatory commission will come up with more stringent norms so as to woo the discoms.

Source: TOI