CERC Grants Key Extensions And Clarifications To Ease Challenges For Renewable Energy Developers Under GNA Regulations

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued an important order to address the difficulties faced by renewable energy developers after the implementation of the Third Amendment to the General Network Access Regulations on September 9, 2025. The amendment introduced the concepts of solar hour access and non-solar hour access, but soon after its implementation, several developers and industry associations raised concerns regarding practical challenges in meeting the timelines and technical compliance requirements.

Developers, including NSEFI and Azure, highlighted that they require more time to convert their projects into entities eligible for solar hour access, which also offers the Right of First Refusal for applying for additional non-solar hour capacity. They explained that projects need substantial capital expenditure commitments, and there is still no clear visibility on tenders for supplying power during non-solar hours. Many developers also reported difficulties in arranging land-related bank guarantees and noted that key procedural guidelines and clarifications from CTUIL and NLDC are still evolving. Considering these challenges, they requested an extension of the originally allotted timeline.

Although the Commission initially believed that the three-month period specified in the amendment was sufficient, it acknowledged the industry challenges and granted a one-time extension of 75 days starting from December 9, 2025. This effectively provides a total of five and a half months from the regulation’s original effective date for submitting applications for additional capacity under the relevant regulatory provisions.

To maintain alignment and avoid operational confusion, the Commission also extended the timeline for Power Park Developers to furnish the Scheduled Commercial Operation Date for generating stations inside the park by the same 75-day period. This ensures equal relief and prevents delays caused by associated infrastructure or coordination challenges.

Another important clarity provided in the order relates to additional inverters or similar technical equipment installed by generating stations only for reactive power support or internal losses. Developers argued that these additions do not contribute to the injection of active power and should not be considered as an increase in installed capacity. The Commission agreed and clarified that such additional technical equipment will not be treated as additional capacity requiring fresh applications or additional bank guarantees. It relaxed the relevant regulation to ensure smooth compliance.

The order also offered relief for energy storage systems. Many ESS projects were granted connectivity but could not draw power for charging because their studies on drawal requirements were still pending. The Commission allowed such systems to draw power under Temporary GNA within the granted connectivity quantum, using existing system capacity until studies are completed. CTUIL has been directed to finish these studies within four months.

Developers also sought clarity on changing land parcels and energy sources. The Commission ruled that land parcel changes made before the Third Amendment will not be counted towards the one-time change limit. Therefore, entities may still request one change after the amendment took effect. Similarly, entities with in-principle connectivity granted before the amendment are permitted one change in energy source, regardless of earlier timelines or the number of changes made.

Finally, recognizing delays in the communication of coordinates for land documentation, the Commission directed that at least nine months must be provided for furnishing land documents once tentative coordinates are shared.

With these measures, the Commission aims to remove operational hurdles and support continued renewable energy development in India. The order reflects a balanced approach, ensuring regulatory discipline while being sensitive to industry realities, reinforcing India’s commitment to accelerating clean energy deployment.