The state has been unable to pay the wind energy sector, its dues and similar concerns were being brought up by the solar producers in the region. But the ministry has assured the solar sector of getting paid regularly. “Grid connected solar power producers in Tamil Nadu can be confident of timely tariff payments and evacuation,” said Natham R. Viswanathan Electricity Minister.
In a bid to promote solar energy and meet yearly targets, the utility plans to tie-up 1,000 MW of solar power in line with the plans which were outlined in the Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy 2012.
Ramesh Kumar Khanna, energy secretary said the solar energy policy not only supports generation but will also drive demand as the Government has mandated 6 per cent solar purchase obligation from January 2014. Initially, it will be 3 per cent till December 2013.
The obligation covers high tension power consumers including SEZs, industries guaranteed uninterrupted power, IT parks, telecom towers, colleges and residential schools and buildings of more than 20,000 sq. mt. They will have to meet 3-6 per cent of their power requirement from solar power under the purchase obligation.
Additionally, the state-owned utility, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company (Tangdco) will look for bids from solar power generators to enter into long-term power purchase agreements with the company. “The utility has interacted with potential investors and their concerns will be addressed. It is committed to making timely tariff payments and provide the evacuation infrastructure. Additional evacuation capacity will be created wherever needed,” the Minister said.
