The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has issued a draft procedure for granting connectivity to the intrastate transmission system.

The procedure, which governs access to the intrastate transmission system at 33 kV and above, applies to all entities, whether seeking new connections or modifying existing ones.

The procedure is issued in accordance with Regulation 17 of the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (Rajasthan Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2024.

Applicability

The procedure applies to a wide category of users including state and central generating companies, independent power producers, captive power plants, energy storage systems such as pumped storage projects and battery energy storage systems, waste-to-energy units, wind-solar hybrid projects, green hydrogen projects, inter- and intra-state transmission licensees, distribution licensees (excluding Rajasthan distribution companies), renewable energy generators, renewable energy park developers, open access customers, and bulk consumers.

Connectivity is mandatory for all entities seeking to connect at 33 kV and above. It is also required for augmentation of existing capacity, a change in voltage level due to an increase in contract demand, or modification of the existing connection arrangement.

Eligibility and Application Process

Existing connected users must sign a connection agreement if they have not already done so. However, any extension of generation capacity, change in voltage level, or modification of connection arrangement will require a fresh application.

Applications must be submitted to the Chief Engineer, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam along with project details, desired voltage level, timeline, and other supporting documents.

Applicants must submit payment proof, GST number, board resolution or authorization letter, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC) registration (if applicable), statutory approvals (for land, environment, forest, fuel, water), generator technical data, and Functional Test Check documents 10 days before energization.

Application Fee Structure

A non-refundable application fee must be paid based on the quantum of power to be injected:

• Up to 30 MW: ₹100,000 (~$1,164)
• 30 MW to 100 MW: ₹200,000 (~$2,328)
• 100 MW to 500 MW: ₹300,000 (~$3,492)
• 500 MW to 1000 MW: ₹600,000 (~$6,984)
• More than 1000 MW: ₹900,000 (~$10,476)

For renewable energy projects, registration with RREC is mandatory before application.

Stages of Connectivity

A three-stage process has been prescribed:

• Stage I involves the grant of connectivity intimation.
• Stage II deals with the final interconnection permission
• Stage III covers the execution of the connection agreement

Physical connection to the grid will not be permitted unless the agreement is signed. In certain cases, such as when a license is not the state transmission utility or pooling stations are used, tripartite agreements must be signed.

Financial and Technical Requirements

Grid connectivity charges are set at ₹250,000 (~$2,910)/MW or the actual bay cost, whichever is higher. Applicants must furnish a bank guarantee equal to the bay cost. Failure to utilize the connectivity within 3 years will result in cancellation and encashment of the guarantee. A penalty of 12% per annum, plus taxes, applies in case of delays.

Voltage-specific injection limits are defined: 15 MW for 33 kV, 50 MW for 132 kV, 132 MW for 220 kV, and 515 MW for 400 kV. Beyond these limits, higher capacity transmission infrastructure must be used, and only certain conductor types like ACSR Panther, Zebra, Twin/Quad Moose, AL-59, or HTLS are permitted for specific voltage-power combinations.

Additional Conditions

The applicant must construct transmission lines from the applicant’s project to the designated RVPN substation. Connectivity approval does not permit power injection unless open access, short-term, medium-term, or long-term access is obtained. Any injection exceeding the approved quantity will not be accounted for and may result in disconnection after a 30-day notice period.

Connectivity is non-transferable and project-specific. Additionally, synchrophasor measurement systems, including PMUs, GPS receivers, and data telemetry systems, must be installed in accordance with Central Electricity Authority’s  technical standards.

Recently, RERC mandated battery energy storage systems for captive projects exceeding 100% contract demand.

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