The definition of Open Access in the Electricity Act, 2003, is “the non-discriminatory provision for the use of transmission lines or distribution system or associated facilities with such lines or system by any licensee or consumer or a person engaged in generation in accordance with the regulations specified by the Appropriate Commission”.
What is STOA, MTOA & LTOA?
STOA or Short Term Open Access means open access for a period up to one month at a time. MTOA or Medium Term Open Access means the right to use the inter-state transmission system or distribution system for a period exceeding three months but not exceeding five years LTOA or Long Term open Access means the right to use the intra-state transmission system or distribution system for a period exceeding 7 years.
Minimum requirement for open access power
Minimum volume of power should be 1 MW i.e. any consumer having connected load of 1 MW and above can avail open access. Thus, industrial and commercial consumers like office complexes, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls and other large establishments can avail Open Access.