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DERC Plans Gradual Phase-Out of Additional Surcharge for Open Access Consumers

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has proposed a phased withdrawal of the additional surcharge applicable to open access and General Network Access (GNA) consumers under the draft Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Open Access) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025.

As per the draft proposal, the additional surcharge levied on consumers availing open access or GNA will be reduced on a linear basis over a four-year period, starting from the year in which access is granted. The surcharge would be completely eliminated at the end of the four years, provided the consumer continues to avail such access.

The draft regulations clarify that no refund, adjustment, or recovery will be permitted for any additional surcharge that has already been imposed or collected under the existing regulatory framework. However, partial relief has been proposed, as the additional surcharge will not apply to the portion of contract demand retained with the distribution licensee, benefiting consumers who continue to maintain contracted capacity with DISCOMs.

Further, the scope of the additional surcharge has been narrowed. It will apply only to open access consumers who are or have previously been consumers of the concerned distribution licensee, thereby excluding certain categories of users from its ambit.

For greater regulatory consistency, DERC has aligned the definitions of General Network Access (GNA) and Temporary-GNA with the corresponding provisions specified by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) for inter-state transmission systems.

Once notified in the Official Gazette, the amended regulations will be applicable across the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The proposed changes are expected to enhance the long-term viability of open access, offering improved cost predictability for consumers while maintaining a balance between consumer interests and the financial stability of distribution licenses.