CERC Third Amendment To GNA Regulations Introduces Solar Hours For Power Scheduling

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued a new notification dated August 31, 2025, which brings fresh changes to the rules governing the interstate transmission system. Published in the Gazette of India, this notification is the third amendment to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) Regulations, 2022. The original regulations were notified on July 19, 2022, and were subsequently amended twice in 2023 and 2024. With this new amendment, the framework continues to evolve in line with the growing needs of India’s electricity sector.

The key focus of this amendment is on the scheduling of power for specific entities. As per the new provision, entities covered under Regulation 5.11(a) can now schedule power during officially designated “solar hours.” This scheduling will be permitted through a Lead Generator or a Qualified Coordinating Agency (QCA). The step is significant as it is expected to streamline power management and strengthen the integration of renewable energy sources, especially solar power, into the national grid. With solar energy playing an increasingly important role in India’s power mix, creating defined windows for its scheduling is seen as a necessary measure to balance demand and supply more efficiently.

A major responsibility under the amendment has been placed on the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC). The NLDC will now be responsible for notifying the solar and non-solar hours weekly for each state. This ensures that all stakeholders in the electricity sector have access to uniform and timely information about when solar scheduling is applicable. Importantly, the NLDC has also been empowered to make mid-week revisions to these hours if unexpected events occur, such as sudden weather changes that affect solar generation. This flexibility is designed to keep the system responsive and maintain stability in the grid, even in the face of unforeseen conditions.

The amendment underscores the regulatory body’s approach of continuous refinement and adaptation. By defining solar and non-solar hours clearly, the new rules provide an organized structure for scheduling renewable energy. This is particularly relevant at a time when India is expanding its renewable capacity and working to ensure that green energy can be absorbed into the grid without disruptions. The proactive role assigned to the NLDC further demonstrates the importance of real-time grid management and coordination in an energy landscape that is becoming more complex with every passing year.

The notification has been issued under the authority of the Electricity Act, 2003. The repeated amendments to the 2022 regulations show that the Commission is taking a dynamic approach to regulation, ensuring that the framework is not static but evolves with technological advances and practical requirements. This third amendment, with its special focus on “solar hours,” highlights the increasing recognition of renewable energy’s place in India’s energy transition. It also signals the government’s commitment to keeping the grid stable, reliable, and adaptable as the share of renewable energy grows in the overall system.