CERC Approves 50 MW GNA Sharing For RIL Subsidiary But Rejects STU-Connected Entities’ Request

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) filed a petition with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) seeking approval to allow its subsidiaries and group companies to use its existing General Network Access (GNA) connectivity at the Jam Khambhaliya inter-state transmission system (ISTS) substation. The petition was filed under Section 79 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and relevant GNA Regulations, 2022.

RIL has been granted 1,200 MW connectivity at the ISTS Jam Khambhaliya Substation for its Jamnagar facility, which includes an oil refinery and a captive generating plant. RIL had also applied for and received long-term access (LTA) of 1,200 MW in March 2023. Following the implementation of GNA Regulations from April 2023, RIL transitioned 800 MW of its LTA into GNA in phases—500 MW effective from October 2024 and 300 MW from March 2026.

RIL’s subsidiary, Reliance New Solar Energy Limited (RNSEL), was granted 50 MW of GNA as a bulk consumer, effective from March 2028. However, RNSEL required GNA starting from October 2024 and sought to utilize part of RIL’s 500 MW GNA allocation. Additionally, RIL requested permission to allow other subsidiary companies connected to the intra-state transmission system (InSTS) in the Western Region to utilize its surplus GNA without having to mandatorily apply for a new GNA.

CTUIL, the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited, opposed RIL’s request, arguing that existing regulations do not permit a non-GNA grantee to use the GNA of another entity without applying for GNA independently. The regulatory framework only allows GNA sharing between entities that are already GNA grantees. CTUIL stated that permitting such an exception would require an amendment to the regulations, which is beyond the scope of CERC’s power to relax rules.

CERC reviewed the submissions and ruled that under Regulation 15.1 of the GNA Regulations, a subsidiary can utilize the GNA quantum of its parent company if both are connected at the same ISTS point. Since RNSEL was granted connectivity at Jam Khambhaliya, CERC allowed RNSEL to use RIL’s GNA. However, RNSEL must complete its connection to ISTS before utilizing the GNA, and RIL will be responsible for scheduling, metering, and complying with grid regulations on behalf of RNSEL.

For RIL’s second request, CERC rejected the proposal to allow non-GNA grantees connected to STU to use existing GNA without applying for GNA. The commission stated that this issue requires a broader stakeholder consultation due to its sector-wide implications.

The commission directed CTUIL and NLDC to formulate a detailed procedure for GNA sharing between parent companies and subsidiaries and submit it for approval within two months. The petition was disposed of with these directives.