CERC Directs CTUIL To Verify Land Documents For 228 MW Hybrid Projects Before Further Action

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission issued an order on 17 November 2025 in response to a petition filed by two renewable energy developers, Amplus Everest Solar Private Limited and Amplus Lifa Solar Private Limited. Both companies approached the Commission seeking an extension of time to submit land documents required under the Connectivity and General Network Access Regulations of 2022. The petition was filed because the developers were unable to complete the land documentation process within the timeline prescribed after receiving final connectivity from the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited in November 2024.

The regulations require renewable energy generating stations to submit proof of ownership or possession of at least half of the land required for their project within twelve months of receiving final connectivity. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to cancellation of connectivity and encashment of bank guarantees submitted under the land bank guarantee route.

The developers are building hybrid renewable energy projects combining wind and solar capacities of 228 MW each in the YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. They applied for connectivity in February 2024 and received in-principle approval in July 2024, followed by final approval on 6 November 2024. Because of delays in obtaining official land-related documents, the companies had requested CTUIL to extend their connectivity start date and the deadline to submit land documents. CTUIL declined the request, stating that the regulations do not permit such extensions. This led the developers to seek relief from the Commission by invoking its powers to relax or remove difficulties under the regulations.

The Commission heard the matter on 6 November 2025, during which counsel for the developers informed that the companies had finally received the advance possession documents for both their wind and solar project land. They also said that the documents were issued on 6 November 2025. After the hearing, the developers filed written submissions along with an affidavit and supporting documents that included orders from the District Collector of YSR Kadapa instructing local officials to initiate steps related to lease rent collection for the land and certificates issued by the state nodal agency confirming advance possession. The developers explained that they now hold advanced possession of 568.8 acres of government land for the wind installations and over 225 acres for the solar installations, which they believe meets the regulatory requirement of demonstrating possession of at least half of the total land needed.

Considering the submissions and the fact that the developers had received the documents on the last permissible date, the Commission accepted the materials on record. Rather than granting an extension, the Commission directed CTUIL to verify the submitted land documents within fifteen days to determine whether they comply with the regulatory requirements. Depending on the outcome of this verification, CTUIL may either accept the documents or take further action as provided under the regulations. With these directions, the petition was disposed of.