The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has issued a detailed draft procedure for renewable energy projects seeking connectivity to the state’s grid.

The procedure applies to multiple stakeholders, including applicants covered under Regulation (4) of the GERC Open Access Regulations 2011, developers of renewable energy projects with or without energy storage systems, standalone energy storage systems, and renewable energy parks.

It also applies to transmission and power distribution companies (DISCOMs), Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO), Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), load despatch centers, and other relevant state agencies.

It aligns with the GERC Green Energy Open Access Regulations, 2024, and other relevant policies of the Gujarat Government, including the Renewable Energy Policy 2023.

Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions by May 30, 2025.

Application Process

All connectivity applications must be submitted online through the Akshay Urja Setu Portal.  Applicants must complete a one-time registration with GEDA before submitting the application.

Applications can be submitted upon successful registration by paying a non-refundable fee online and uploading the required documents. Original documents must be submitted physically to GETCO, the state transmission utility (STU), or the concerned DISCOM within seven days. Failure to comply will be treated as a procedural violation.

A unique identification number is generated upon application submission. This identification number remains fixed and maintains application priority based on date and time stamps.

Eligibility

Eligibility for connectivity includes renewable energy developers, renewable energy projects, and renewable energy park developers willing to undertake construction and commissioning activities related to substations and transmission infrastructure.

Existing projects with already granted connectivity need not reapply. However, any capacity augmentation requires a new application.

Projects can switch to another renewable energy source if restrictions are imposed by authorities like the Forest or Defense Departments, provided GETCO, STU, or DISCOMs and the Commission approves the change.

Once granted, connectivity is non-transferable unless to wholly owned subsidiaries or parent companies. The developer must assume full responsibility for compliance, including payment of transmission or wheeling charges.

If the renewable energy project is not commissioned within the stipulated time, the developer and the transferee are jointly and independently liable for the charges. Non-completion can also lead to cancellation of connectivity and forfeiture of guarantees.

Monthly Substation Updates

GETCO publishes and updates a list of substations on the third of every month at 11 AM. The list includes indicative capacities and timelines for existing and planned substations. Applicants may select up to three substations in order of preference.

Required Documents and Fees

Applications must include a notarized affidavit, application form, non-refundable application fee, an infrastructure development charge of ₹100,000 (~$1,167)/MW, and various bank guarantees. These include a security bank guarantee and an associated transmission system bank guarantee of ₹2 million (~$23,346)/MW for certain applications. Applicants must also show land ownership or submit a land bank guarantee of ₹1 million (~$11,673)/MW.

For third-party or captive projects, further documentation related to ownership, equity, and place of consumption must be submitted.

All documents must be uploaded online and submitted physically within seven days.

Processing and Grant of Connectivity

Applications are processed per the GERC connectivity regulations. Deficiencies or clarifications are communicated online or via email, and applicants must respond within seven working days. Incomplete applications are rejected.

Feasibility studies are conducted in consultation with DISCOMs. Applicants are informed about the connectivity grants by the 30th of the subsequent month. Provisional connectivity may be granted subject to system strengthening if no capacity exists. The associated transmission system bank guarantee must be submitted within 15 days of provisional approval. Failure to do so results in application closure and fee forfeiture.

Priority is determined first by whether the applicant holds a letter of award or power purchase agreement with a DISCOM, followed by applicants with land documents over those with land bank guarantees.

A committee constituted by the Energy and Petrochemicals Department reviews the application for projects in non-listed areas. If feasibility is established, provisional connectivity is granted with a timeline for infrastructure development.

The associated transmission system bank guarantee must be valid six months beyond the projected completion date. Non-commissioning of projects within this window results in revocation of connectivity and encashment of guarantees.

The power carrying capacity of the dedicated transmission line will be as follows:

Technical Requirements

Renewable energy developers must comply with the central and state technical standards and regulations, including those from the Central Electricity Authority, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the GERC. These requirements cover project construction, safety, metering, grid code compliance, cybersecurity, and forecasting.

Dedicated transmission or distribution infrastructure must meet minimum power transfer capacities based on voltage levels. The same applies to pooling stations and line bay equipment. Infrastructure sharing is permitted under an agreement between multiple generators, with costs and maintenance shared proportionately.

Monitoring and Commissioning

The developer must submit quarterly progress reports in a specified format. Failure to report progress can lead to connectivity revocation.

At least 10% of the allotted capacity must be commissioned within one month of the line energization. The rest must be completed within the timelines specified by the Commission. Delays result in bank guarantee forfeiture and connectivity cancellation. Spare capacity is made available to other applicants.

Renewable energy park developers must commission their projects per the power purchase agreements, GERC orders, and renewable energy policy timelines. If not, they may seek an extension from the Commission. Similarly, transmission licensees must complete their infrastructure in time or seek extensions in case of delays.

A certificate from the Chief Electrical Inspector must be submitted within ten days of receipt.

STU or DISCOMs can shift connectivity to optimize infrastructure use, but the applicant must bear the cost. Spare feeder bays can be used temporarily with associated charges.

Infrastructure Sharing

Lead generators can share transmission lines, bays, and pooling stations with other entities for optimal infrastructure use. Agreements must be submitted, and energy metering should be in place for accurate accounting. In case of underutilization, STU can seek justification and escalate the matter to GERC.

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