CERC Overturns WRLDC Curtailment On Raghanesda Solar Park Projects In Gujarat

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) passed a significant order concerning two petitions—one filed by Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) and another by Electro Solaire Private Limited (ENGIE). Both petitions challenged the restriction imposed by the Western Regional Load Dispatch Centre (WRLDC), which had curtailed their power scheduling from their respective solar projects located at the Raghanesda Ultra Mega Solar Park in Gujarat.

TPREL and ENGIE contended that WRLDC’s communications dated December 20 and 26, 2023, unfairly limited their ability to schedule power despite having complied with prior technical standards and agreements. They argued that their projects, which had achieved commercial operation in August 2021, were not among the 20 renewable energy plants that received conditional or provisional Final Transmission Clearance (FTC) and were mentioned in the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) directives issued in 2023.

WRLDC justified its actions by citing non-compliance with Clause B2(1) of the CEA’s Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid. According to WRLDC, the solar park’s total capacity of 600 MW could not be fully dispatched without adequate reactive power compensation devices. WRLDC stated that SPDs, including TPREL and ENGIE, had earlier committed to installing such devices—TPREL pledged 25 MVAr and ENGIE 50 MVAr in August 2021—but failed to act on these commitments for more than two years. Consequently, WRLDC restricted the collective output of the Raghanesda Solar Park to 492 MW, distributing the curtailment proportionally among the participating developers.

TPREL and ENGIE argued that they had engaged third-party consultants, submitted studies, and sought approvals for additional reactive compensation equipment. They also claimed that they were waiting for WRLDC’s formal response before proceeding with installations, given the cost and complexity involved. By late 2024, both developers had procured and installed Static VAR Generators (SVGs) and additional inverters to meet the compliance requirements. They submitted their test reports to WRLDC in December 2024 and January 2025.

In response, WRLDC maintained that no regulatory obligation existed for it to approve individual plant design studies. It emphasized that compliance was the responsibility of the Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD), in this case, Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), and its constituent developers.

Taking all submissions into account, CERC noted that the curtailment letters issued by WRLDC were based on instructions intended for a different set of renewable projects. Since TPREL and ENGIE were not part of the 20 projects referenced in the CEA’s letters, the Commission ruled in their favor. It stayed the WRLDC’s curtailment orders and allowed full scheduling of their power.

However, the Commission expressed displeasure at the developers’ delays in installing reactive compensation and directed them to comply fully with all grid connectivity standards going forward.