GERC Grants Final Hearing Opportunity In 1.79 MW Solar Wheeling Agreement Case

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) recently heard a petition regarding the signing of a wheeling agreement for a 1.79 MW solar power plant. The case was filed by Ravi Kiran Solar Plant against Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) and Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO). The matter was scheduled for a hearing on January 3, 2025, but neither the petitioner nor a representative from GETCO was present, despite prior notification by post and email. There was also no communication from them explaining their absence.

The case had been previously listed for a hearing on November 15, 2022, where the petitioner’s representative stated that they could not appoint legal counsel due to short notice. During that hearing, GUVNL argued that Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) should be included as a party because the solar plant is located within PGVCL’s jurisdiction. As a result, the commission issued an order on November 29, 2022, directing the petitioner to amend the case title to include PGVCL and to provide PGVCL with a copy of the petition. The commission also asked the respondents to submit their replies and allowed the petitioner to file a rejoinder if necessary.

Despite these directions, the petitioner did not amend the case title or serve notice to PGVCL. Likewise, GUVNL and GETCO failed to file their responses, even after more than two years had passed. Given this lack of compliance, the commission once again directed the petitioner to include PGVCL in the case and submit an amended petition within seven days. It also instructed the respondents to file their replies within two weeks, with a copy sent to the petitioner. The petitioner was given an additional two weeks to file a rejoinder if needed.

Because neither the petitioner nor GETCO attended the most recent hearing, the commission decided to adjourn the matter to ensure fairness. It granted one final opportunity for all parties to be heard before making a decision. The commission made it clear that if any party fails to appear at the next hearing, the case will be decided based on the available records.

The date for the next hearing will be communicated separately, and the commission has issued an order accordingly. The ruling was signed by Commission Chairman Anil Mukim and members Mehul M. Gandhi and S.R. Pandey on February 25, 2025, at Gandhinagar.