CEA considering Time of Day metering for EVs

Kolkata: Central Electricity Authority (CEC) is working on a proposal to implement Time of Day metering for the purpose of charging electric vehicles (EVs). CEC is also considering to come up with a separate category of tariff for EVs, CEA's Principal Chief Engineer Sandesh Sharma said on Friday.

"There may be a separate category of tariff for EVs. When you have surplus power, you can use it for EVs. We are considering Time of Day metering for this," Sharma said addressing an assembly of stakeholders in an interactive session organised by CII. He maintained that a regulatory push will be required for this.

"If you want to promote something you will have to give some benefits. We are deliberating on special pricing," he said adding that a draft policy will be floated for standardisation of storage batteries as well.

CEA will also look into the aspects of peak and non-peak tariffs and also consider renewables like solar. According to him, West Bengal and Tripura have been supplying power to the tune of 500 megawatt to neighbouring country Bangladesh and this is going to increase over the years. A private power plant is being built in Jharkhand for power supply to Bangladesh. "Guidelines of cross border trade of electricity have already been released and the regulation regarding this is in draft stage. Power supply to Bangladesh from India is going to increase as in Bangladesh, they do not have enough generation capacity," he said.

Suggestions were sought on the Draft Conduct of Business Rules (CBR) of the designated authority for facilitating the cross border trade of electricity.

According to Sharma, the National Electricity Plan (NEP) is expected to be notified in a month's time. "The draft of the NEP was prepared and stakeholders' comments were sought. It will be finalised soon. It is expected to be notified in a month's time ," he said.