Bhadla III Transmission Limited, now known as POWERGRID Bhadla III Transmission Limited, has recently been granted a transmission license by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) to establish an interstate transmission System in Rajasthan. This development comes after the company filed a petition under the Electricity Act, 2003, seeking approval for the transmission project.
The proposed project aims to facilitate the evacuation of power from Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in Rajasthan, with a capacity of 20 GW under Phase-III Part B1. The project will be executed on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis.
Following a competitive bidding process conducted by PFC Consulting Limited, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited emerged as the successful bidder, offering the lowest annual transmission charges of ₹2,124.08 million.
CERC, after careful consideration of the application and relevant regulations, proposed the grant of a transmission license to Bhadla III Transmission Limited on January 27, 2024. A public notice was issued inviting suggestions or objections, but none were received in response.
During the hearing on February 23, 2024, it was noted that no objections were raised against the project. The petitioner’s representative highlighted that the project had been conceived through a competitive bidding process and had received a recommendation for the grant of the transmission license from CTUIL.
Regarding the approval process, it was explained that the project had received necessary approvals from the Central Government as per the Electricity (Transmission System Planning, Development and Recovery of Interstate Transmission Charges) Rules, 2021. The reconstitution of the National Committee on Transmission further affirmed the project’s legitimacy.
In its order, dated January 27, 2024, CERC proposed the grant of a transmission license to Bhadla III Transmission Limited. Given the absence of objections and compliance with regulatory requirements, CERC directed the issuance of the license to POWERGRID Bhadla III Transmission Limited.
The grant of the license is contingent upon the fulfilment of certain conditions throughout the 25-year license period. These conditions include compliance with transmission regulations, timely payment of license fees, adherence to performance standards, provision of open access to the transmission system, and compliance with bidding documents and agreements.
Additionally, monitoring mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the timely execution of the project and adherence to technical standards. It is expected that the petitioner has complied with survey provisions and will commission the project within the stipulated timeframe. Overall, the grant of the transmission license marks a significant milestone in the establishment of an Inter-State Transmission System for renewable energy evacuation in Rajasthan.
Please view the document here for more details.
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