GERC Reserves Final Order On Extension Request For 9 MW Hybrid Project Evacuation Delay

JSW Renewable Energy (Anjar) Limited filed a petition before the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) seeking an extension for completing the evacuation system of its 9 MW hybrid power project. The project is being developed under JSW Neo Energy Limited at the 66/11 kV Gangiyavadar substation of GETCO in Surendranagar district. The petitioner had earlier obtained Stage-I connectivity approval on 30.09.2023 and Stage-II approval on 31.03.2024 after submitting a bank guarantee of ₹90 lakhs.

A connection agreement was executed between the petitioner and GETCO on 23.05.2024. However, on 18.02.2025, GETCO issued a letter instructing the petitioner to commission the evacuation system within 12 months, i.e., by 30.03.2025, failing which actions like encashment of bank guarantee or cancellation of connectivity would be initiated. The petitioner then sought an extension, citing various unforeseen challenges.

The petitioner submitted that delays were primarily due to Right of Way (ROW) issues, heavy rainfall, and Cyclone Asana in August 2024, which impacted project activities until October 2024. Other factors included delays in raw material deliveries due to market demand crises and global supply chain disruptions. Specific ROW disputes included intervention by local authorities, legal cases filed by landowners, and disputes between vendors and sub-vendors. These issues resulted in the obstruction of site access and delayed construction.

The petitioner referred to several legal judgments to support its request and argued that the evacuation line could not be completed due to factors beyond its control. It requested an extension of 158 days to commission the full system.

In response, GETCO’s counsel argued that the company was reminded only of its obligations as per the approved procedure and that the extension could only be granted by the Commission, not GETCO. The respondent emphasized that many of the petitioner’s claims were not substantiated with evidence, such as the exact timing of supply delays or court-ordered restrictions. GETCO also pointed out that Cyclone Asana lasted from 25 August to 2 September 2024 and did not justify delays claimed from July to October 2024.

Further, GETCO argued that regular monsoon disruptions were already factored into project timelines and that delays due to vendor-related issues did not qualify as unforeseen. It also noted that the petitioner’s own status report dated January 2025 projected commissioning by 31.03.2025, indicating it did not anticipate delays at that time.

After hearing both sides, the Commission stated that arguments were completed and directed both parties to file written submissions within four weeks. The matter is now reserved for final order, as recorded in the daily order dated 24.07.2025.