CERC Proposes Amendments to Connectivity and Network Access Regulations

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has released a draft for the third amendment to the Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) Regulations, formally titled the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024. This draft aims to amend the existing regulations from 2022, introducing several key changes.

Among the proposed amendments are revisions to the processes for withdrawing applications for connectivity or GNA, the handling of bank guarantees, minimum capacity requirements, and guidelines for granting connectivity to Renewable Energy Generating Stations (REGS) that wish to connect to the transmission network of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

A notable addition in the draft is the concept of a ‘Complex of ISTS Substations’ or ‘Cluster of ISTS Substations,’ which groups substations based on geographic proximity and Central Transmission Utility (CTU) planning. This is designed to improve coordination and efficiency within the transmission network.

The draft also revises the application withdrawal process for Connectivity and GNA. If an application is withdrawn before receiving an in-principle grant, 50 percent of the application fee will be forfeited, with the remaining payment and bank guarantee refunded within 15 days. New procedures for bank guarantees include Conn-BG1 of INR 50 lakhs and Conn-BG2 for augmentation costs, which must be submitted within a month of receiving the in-principle grant. Failure to do so will result in the closure of the application and forfeiture of the fee.

For Renewable Power Park Developers, the draft introduces phased Connectivity applications. Developers authorised for over 500 MW can apply in phases, beginning with 500 MW and subsequent increments of 50 MW. Connectivity can be requested at multiple points, such as terminal bays of ISTS substations, provided the necessary bank guarantees are submitted.

REGS aiming to connect to the BBMB transmission network will face new requirements. Larger REGS (5 MW and above) must include a system study from BBMB’s State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) with their application, while smaller REGS can apply directly to BBMB SLDC, with approvals communicated to the Nodal Agency.

Additionally, the draft requires the publication of land requirements for REGS on the CTU website, with periodic updates. Applicants may use different land parcels as long as the point of connectivity and start date remain consistent.

The draft also adjusts processing timelines for Connectivity applications, requiring the Nodal Agency to provide timelines for augmentation and Connectivity within six months of receiving bank guarantees. Any delays must be reported to the applicant and the Central Commission, along with an updated timeline.