Andhra Pradesh issues draft Green Energy Open Access Regulation 2026, keeps 100 kW eligibility threshold
The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued draft Green Energy Open Access Regulation 2026.
The draft was notified on May 28, 2026.
The regulation is meant to operationalise green energy open access in the state.
It keeps the minimum eligibility threshold at 100 kW.
Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments on the draft regulation.
Eligibility threshold
The 100 kW threshold is important.
It allows smaller commercial and industrial consumers to access green power.
Earlier open access frameworks were often more relevant for large consumers.
The lower threshold can broaden participation.
It can support green power procurement by MSMEs, commercial buildings and smaller industrial consumers.
Green energy access
Green Energy Open Access allows consumers to procure renewable energy directly.
This can be done through generators, traders, power exchanges or captive arrangements.
The framework is designed to increase voluntary renewable energy consumption.
It also supports consumers with decarbonisation and ESG commitments.
Why this matters
Many companies now want renewable power for operations.
Large industrial consumers use open access to reduce emissions and control power costs.
Smaller consumers have historically faced higher transaction barriers.
A clear state regulation can make access easier.
The draft therefore matters for Andhra Pradesh’s renewable procurement market.
State-level implementation
Green open access requires state regulatory clarity.
Charges, banking, scheduling, settlement and approval timelines must be defined.
Without state-level rules, implementation can face delays.
APERC’s draft is therefore an important step toward operational readiness.
It gives market participants a clearer regulatory pathway.
DISCOM impact
For DISCOMs, green open access creates both opportunity and risk.
It can help meet renewable consumption objectives.
But it can also reduce high-paying commercial and industrial sales.
That can affect cross-subsidy recovery.
The final regulation will need to balance consumer choice with DISCOM revenue protection.
Charges and cost recovery
Open access consumers typically pay transmission charges, wheeling charges and other applicable charges.
Cross-subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge can also apply depending on the framework.
These charges determine whether green open access is commercially attractive.
Developers and consumers will closely study the final charge structure.
Developer opportunity
For renewable developers, the draft regulation can open a larger market.
Andhra Pradesh has strong solar and wind resources.
A clear green open access framework can encourage bilateral renewable contracts.
It can also support corporate renewable procurement.
This can create additional demand outside traditional DISCOM tenders.
Consumer relevance
For consumers, the 100 kW threshold is the key opening.
It lowers the entry barrier.
Hotels, hospitals, malls, educational institutions, warehouses and small factories may become eligible.
They can use green open access to reduce carbon footprint and potentially manage energy costs.
Strategic message
APERC’s draft Green Energy Open Access Regulation 2026 is a significant state-level reform.
By retaining the 100 kW eligibility threshold, it can broaden renewable power access beyond large industrial users.
The key watchpoints are final approval timelines, open access charges, banking rules, approval process, DISCOM response, and uptake by commercial and industrial consumers.
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