The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) has issued a draft notification proposing the 13th Amendment to its “Terms and Conditions for Intra-State Open Access Regulations, 2011” in March 2026. The proposed changes are aimed at improving clarity and strengthening the regulatory framework for managing green energy within Punjab’s power system.
One of the most important parts of the amendment is that it makes the definition of a “Green Energy open access consumer” clearer. The commission has made it clear that captive users who get their electricity from Captive Generating Plants (CGPs) that use renewable energy are included. The framework will now officially recognise these users, who are linked to the state’s transmission or distribution network. This will help clear things up and make the green energy community more welcoming.
Revised banking rules to bring structure and accountability
The amendment also suggests big changes to Regulation 28(6), which controls how energy is stored. Banking lets people store extra renewable energy with utilities so they can use it later. The new rules say that banked energy can be carried over from one month to the next during a set settlement period that runs from June 1 of one year to May 31 of the next.
However, the commission has introduced stricter conditions for utilization. Any unused banked energy at the end of the settlement period will lapse, and no financial compensation will be provided. This “use it or lose it” approach is intended to encourage efficient consumption and better planning among consumers.
Transition provisions and alignment with national rules
PSERC has suggested extending the current settlement period for FY 2025–26 until May 31, 2026, to make sure the transition goes smoothly. This would line up with the new cycle. The draft also says that the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy to Green Energy Open Access) Amendment Rules, 2023 will take care of any extra energy that isn’t used. This makes sure that it follows the rules of the country.
Evolving regulatory framework for renewable growth
The proposed 13th amendment builds on the original regulations introduced in July 2011, which have undergone multiple revisions over the past 15 years, including the most recent update in July 2025. Once finalized and published in the official gazette, the new provisions will come into effect.
The commission thinks these changes will make things clearer, help manage energy better, and help renewable energy use grow in Punjab.
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