The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) notified the Promotion of Green Energy through Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) Regulations in 2010. These regulations aim to ensure that electricity distribution companies, captive power producers, and open-access consumers in the state meet certain targets for using renewable energy. As per the rules, UPNEDA was designated as the State Agency responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance by these obligated entities.

The UPERC had earlier laid down a detailed procedure for the reporting of RPO compliance. This includes submission of estimated renewable energy requirements for the coming year, quarterly compliance statements, and annual compliance statements. Each obligated entity is supposed to submit these details through specific formats and deadlines. In addition, any Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) purchased must also be reported along with an affidavit.

Despite these requirements, the Commission noted in its order dated May 9, 2025, that compliance reports from many obligated entities had not been submitted. As a result, the Commission had to call for the personal appearance of the Director of UPNEDA to explain the situation. UPNEDA was also given a final chance to submit the required data of all obligated entities within one week.

Following these directions, the Director of UPNEDA appeared in person and submitted partial compliance. Data from 378 obligated entities out of a total of 509 was submitted through a letter dated May 16, 2025. However, this data only covered the period from 2019-20 onwards, while the Commission had asked for data starting from 2010-11.

During the hearing, UPNEDA’s counsel informed the Commission that efforts were ongoing to collect the remaining data. The Commission, however, expressed disappointment over the slow pace and incomplete nature of compliance. It noted that the regulations clearly require three levels of reporting—yearly estimates, quarterly updates, and annual reports—but UPNEDA had failed to even ensure the complete annual data.

The Commission pointed out that UPNEDA, as the nodal agency, should have ensured timely data collection and submission over the years. It further observed that UPNEDA only seemed to act when the Commission initiated suo-motu proceedings. The Commission also suggested that UPNEDA could have used its district-level officers for faster collection of data and noted that a significant number of entities, about 35% to 40%, were either partially compliant or non-compliant. In such cases, UPNEDA should have filed petitions to issue show cause notices or take other necessary action.

Given the seriousness of the matter, which has even drawn the attention of the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), the Commission directed the new Director of UPNEDA to resolve all outstanding issues and submit a complete compliance report starting from 2010-11 within one month. The Commission further advised UPNEDA to develop an online portal to allow obligated entities to submit their compliance reports directly, which would improve monitoring and reduce delays. Additionally, UPNEDA has been instructed to update its website with accurate data on registration and accreditation of renewable energy generators. The next hearing is scheduled for July 8, 2025, and the personal appearance of the Director has been waived until further notice.