Can we claim zero Scope 2 if we buy small hydro power through open access?
Under the market-based method, yes for the units covered, if the contract and documents prove you alone claim that power. Under the location-based method you still use the grid factor, 0.710 kg CO2 per kWh. Report both.
Evidence to keep
- Open access approval and the supply contract.
- Monthly energy accounts showing units delivered.
- Proof no one else claims the same units.
Partial supply
Units outside the contract stay at the grid factor, even under the market-based method.
What Senseible does here
Senseible reads electricity bills (CEA grid factor 0.710 kg CO2 per kWh, CO2 Baseline Database version 21.0) and diesel, LPG and gas invoices (IPCC 2006 defaults) into a dated, fingerprinted Scope 1 and 2 record for each site. Intensity per unit uses the activity count you enter, and estimates are labelled as estimates.
Sources: GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance, CEA CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector
Last reviewed 2026-10-22.