RERC Rejects Blanket Grid Code Changes, Allows Case-By-Case Review For RVUN In Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has concluded a petition filed by Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (RVUN), which sought significant changes to the state’s electricity grid code regulations. The petition, heard on May 22 and July 29, 2025, focused on three main areas: ramping rates, minimum turndown levels, and unit shutdown protocols. RVUN argued that its older power plants were facing technical difficulties in complying with the new regulations introduced earlier in 2024.

RVUN highlighted that its aging units, including those at Suratgarh, Chhabra, and Kota, could not meet the new ramping rates and minimum turndown levels due to outdated control systems, variable coal quality, and limitations in their milling systems. The company requested the Commission to allow plant-specific rates and levels and also sought compensation for efficiency losses during part-load operations. In addition, RVUN sought clarifications on unit shutdown rules, asking for reimbursement of expenses incurred when a shutdown was caused by low requisition from a beneficiary.

The petition faced opposition from several respondents, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam, Rajasthan Urja Vikas & IT Services Ltd. (RUVITL), and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. (RVPN). The respondents emphasized that the new regulations were essential to maintain grid stability, especially with the growing integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which are unpredictable in nature. They also noted that RVUN had not provided sufficient supporting documents, such as certifications from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to justify its request for relaxation. The respondents suggested that RVUN should consider retrofitting its plants to meet the updated standards rather than seeking changes to the regulations.

In its final order, the Commission reviewed the arguments and examined the existing regulations. It noted that the regulations already allowed for case-by-case consideration of deviations. The Commission found that RVUN had not provided the required supporting documents, including OEM certifications and reports on the technical and economic feasibility of upgrading its units. Consequently, it did not approve a blanket modification of the rules. Instead, the Commission allowed RVUN to approach it again on a case-by-case basis, provided that all necessary documents and justifications were submitted.

Regarding the unit shutdown issue, the Commission clarified that any amendment to the regulations would need to follow a formal process, including public notification under the Electricity Act, 2003. The Commission acknowledged RVUN’s suggestion for future consideration in case such a formal amendment process is initiated.

The order, officially disposing of the petition, was dated August 20, 2025, and signed by Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma and Member Hemant Kumar Jain. The decision emphasizes that while the Commission recognizes the operational challenges faced by older power units, any relaxation in grid regulations must be supported by detailed technical and economic documentation, ensuring that the stability of the electricity grid is not compromised. This outcome allows for future discussions on plant-specific considerations, but only under a structured and well-documented process.

This decision underscores the balancing act between accommodating operational realities of aging power plants and maintaining a reliable electricity grid, especially as Rajasthan increasingly incorporates renewable energy into its system.