GERC Addresses Petition On Grid Code Compliance And Transmission Issues In 40 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Project

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission recently addressed a petition filed under Section 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003, regarding grid code compliance and transmission system issues. The petitioner, Fourth Partner Energy Pvt. Ltd., highlighted problems stemming from high voltage and transmission inadequacies in the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd. (GETCO) system. This has led to continuous curtailment of power generation from the petitioner’s wind-solar hybrid project in Rajkot, impacting revenue and operations.

The petitioner’s project, comprising wind and solar components, generates electricity for self-consumption and third-party users via open access. Despite receiving connectivity approval for 40 MW, operational challenges arose soon after the project’s commissioning in mid-2023. High voltage issues in GETCO’s transmission lines and insufficient evacuation capacity have caused consistent power curtailments, acknowledged by GETCO in its communications. These constraints, particularly during peak generation periods, have resulted in substantial financial losses for the petitioner.

The petitioner argued that GETCO has failed to meet its obligations under relevant grid codes and sought compensation for damages. They also highlighted GETCO’s delay in implementing permanent measures to resolve the grid’s inadequacies. The petitioner requested the Commission to direct GETCO to ensure full utilization of the sanctioned transmission capacity and sought compensation for the generation losses.

Representing GETCO, the respondent’s counsel raised objections regarding the petition’s maintainability. They argued that the petitioner lacked legal standing, as the generation projects are owned by various other entities and not directly by the petitioner. They emphasized that the affected entities, not the petitioner, should approach the Commission for relief. GETCO also reserved its right to file a detailed reply on the merits of the case.

After hearing both parties, the Commission noted the preliminary objections and decided to address all aspects of the case, including maintainability and substantive issues. GETCO was directed to submit its detailed reply within four weeks, with a subsequent three-week period granted for the petitioner to file a rejoinder. The matter will be heard comprehensively in the next session, with the hearing date to be communicated separately. The interim application for an urgent hearing was deemed resolved with the case listing.