The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) has issued a draft procedure detailing the conditions and process for renewable energy projects to change their source of generation while retaining their granted connectivity. This initiative, published under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) Regulations of 2022, is currently open for stakeholder consultation. Interested parties can submit their comments and suggestions until December 27, 2025.
The primary aim of this draft procedure is to clearly outline the documentation and conditions necessary for projects that wish to modify their declared renewable energy sources, either fully or partially, within the same connectivity quantum. This provision applies to various renewable energy generation projects, including those with or without Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Developers are permitted to request changes in the megawatt (MW) capacity of solar, wind, or hybrid components, as well as add or remove ESS components.
The draft specifies several strict general conditions for such requests. A key condition is that a change in source is allowed only once for each connectivity grant. Additionally, the requested change should not increase the total connectivity quantum already granted, and it cannot lead to any extensions or relaxations of the connectivity start date or post-grant compliance deadlines. Importantly, this process is only applicable to projects that have not yet been commissioned or have not begun injecting power into the grid.
Applications for changing the source of generation must be submitted within 18 months of receiving the in-principle grant of connectivity or 18 months before the firm start date, whichever comes later. While the procedure will ultimately be handled through the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal using a prescribed format, developers may currently submit formal applications on their company letterhead. Notably, there is no application fee required for this process.
The draft procedure also specifies technical reasons for rejection. Applications may be denied if the proposed change exceeds the available margins for solar or non-solar hour access at specific substations or within the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS). In such cases, the CTU is required to provide a detailed rejection letter stating the specific reasons and findings for denying the request.
Once a change is approved, the applicant must comply with several technical and administrative requirements. Technical connection data for the reconfigured source must be submitted at least one year prior to the scheduled commercial operation date. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the revocation of connectivity. Furthermore, the applicant must sign a modified Connectivity Agreement within 30 days of receiving approval from the CTU.
Stakeholders and developers interested in reviewing the full draft procedure can access it on the CTU website. Comments and suggestions should be directed to the office of the Chief Operating Officer (CTUIL) in Gurugram or sent via email to the designated addresses provided in the public notice. This initiative represents a significant step in streamlining the management of renewable energy projects and ensuring flexibility for developers while maintaining grid stability and compliance with regulatory norms.
This draft procedure is expected to provide clarity to renewable energy developers on how to efficiently modify their project configurations while preserving the connectivity granted by CTU, fostering greater adaptability in India’s renewable energy sector.
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