GERC Hears Petition On Delay In 36 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Project Commissioning In Gujarat

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) in Gandhinagar recently heard a petition filed by a company against the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) regarding delays in the commissioning of a 36 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Plant. The petitioner is seeking an extension for the Scheduled Date of Commissioning (SCOD), citing unforeseen “Force Majeure” events as the primary reason for the delay. The dispute revolves around technical requirements for grid connectivity and the implications of sharing transmission infrastructure with another developer.

The company had initially planned to set up the hybrid project at GETCO’s 66kV Gangiyavadar Substation. According to the petition, the delay was primarily due to GETCO’s directive to allow another generator to share the power evacuation infrastructure. This sharing arrangement increased the total required capacity from 36 MW to 45 MW, combining the petitioner’s 36 MW and the other developer’s 9 MW.

The petitioner highlighted that this increase required a critical change in technical specifications, specifically the Current Transformer (CT) ratio. The original ratio was set at 400/1 Amp for 36 MW, but after the other developer’s inclusion, it had to be revised to 450/1 Amp to accommodate the combined 45 MW capacity. This change necessitated new approvals and the procurement of additional equipment, resulting in significant delays. The petitioner stated that the project is now nearly complete, with over ₹200 Crores invested, and is only awaiting the final changeover.

GETCO, on the other hand, countered the claims, stating that the petitioner was aware of the possibility of sharing the infrastructure from the beginning. The connectivity approval documents for both phases of the project included provisions for the infrastructure to be shared with other developers, ensuring optimal use of the substation assets. GETCO emphasized that the lead generator was required to update the CT ratio based on the total capacity being shared and noted that the petitioner itself had requested consideration of the 45 MW capacity for the CT ratio update in prior communications. They also highlighted that the line for the 30 MW project, which expired in July 2025, was intended to be shared for the additional 6 MW connectivity.

The GERC bench acknowledged that any change in granted connectivity would naturally require an update in the CT ratio, which in turn affects transmission structure and design. The Commission noted that arguments from both sides have been completed but directed GETCO to file a reply to the petitioner’s amendment application, along with a written submission, within two weeks. The petitioner was granted a similar two-week period to submit a rejoinder and its own written submission before the Commission issues its final order.

This case underscores the complexities involved in grid connectivity and infrastructure sharing for hybrid power projects, especially when changes in project scope require technical modifications and regulatory approvals, potentially affecting commissioning timelines and investments.