Chandigarh pushes for Resco model for solar power projects

The UT administration has given its approval to Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (Crest) to move Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Resco(Renewable Energy Service Company) model clearance.

As over 300 city residents had shown interest in installation of solar rooftop plants at their houses under Resco model, the administration had planned to knock on the doors of JERC.

Recently, in a meeting under the chairmanship of UT adviser Manoj Parida, Crest officials submitted the status report, and accordingly, the adviser approved to file petition before the power regulatory body.On the directions of JERC, the administration had started a demand survey for the Resco model. Though the process of demand survey is still on, over 300 people have already given their consent for the model.

Debendra Dalai, director, Crest, said they will seek permission of JERC for floating tender for installation of solar plants for these 300 applicants under Resco model.

Crest, the project’s nodal agency, had proposed this model after the approval of the UT administrator V P Singh Badnore as residents were wary of the initial capital investment.

Under the scheme, the agency will install 2,400-odd rooftop SPV power plants on the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model on a first-come, first-served basis. Details and the application form are on www.solarchandigarh.com. The plant’s capacity will be 5 to 10kWp (kilowatts peak) for residential sectors.