India launches NOAR platform to facilitate open access in power sector

• The NOAR platform shall act as a repository of information related to short term open access in inter-state transmission 
• NLDC operated by POSOCO has been designated as the nodal agency for the implementation and operation of NOAR 

New Delhi: Taking a step closer towards facilitating open access in the power sector, the government has launched National Open Access Registry (NOAR) website. The platform went successfully live from May 1, said the Ministry of Power on Monday. NOAR has been designed as an integrated single window electronic platform accessible to all stakeholders including open access participants, traders, power exchanges, national/regional/state load despatch centres for electronic processing of short-term open access applications, thereby automating the administration of the short-term open access in inter-state transmission system. 

NOAR platform: How will this facilitate open access to power? 

The NOAR platform shall act as a repository of information related to short term open access in inter-state transmission, including standing clearance issued by RLDCs or SLDCs and short-term open access granted to the open access customers etc. And make such information available to stakeholders online. Payment gateway provided for making payments and integrated with NOAR shall facilitate financial accounting and tracking of short-term open access transactions. 

POSOCO's NLDC nodal agency for implementation 

National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) operated by Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO) has been designated as the nodal agency for the implementation and operation of NOAR. NOAR would be the key to facilitate faster electricity markets and enable integration of Renewable Energy (RE) resources into the grid. NOAR will enable seamless market participation by the open access consumer with easier and faster access to the short-term electricity market, comprising of about 10 percent of all India demand. 

"NOAR is part of the Ministry of Power, Government of India's initiative and the required regulatory framework has been notified by the CERC through operationalisation of the 5th Amendment Regulation of Open Access in inter- State Transmission," said the ministry. 

Background 

Open Access enables heavy users with more than 1 MW connected load to buy cheap power from the open market. The concept is to allow the customers to choose from a number of competitive power companies, rather than being forced to buy power from the local utility monopoly. It not only helps the commercial and industrial consumers by ensuring regular electricity supply at competitive rates but also enhances the business of power markets. Open access helps consumers meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) as well.

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