RERC Allows Immediate Energization Of Augmented Grid Sub-Stations In Rajasthan Amid Power Supply Crisis

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has issued an order dated December 19, 2025, granting immediate permission for the energization of augmented infrastructure at several grid sub-stations (GSS) across Rajasthan. The decision follows a policy directive issued by the Government of Rajasthan under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003, asking the Commission to take urgent action to address growing power supply constraints in certain regions of the state.

The order applies to six 132 kV grid sub-stations being operated under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. These include Bengatikalan, Shekhsar, Sorda, Baytu, Ramji Ki Gol, and Khatoti. According to the state government, these substations have been facing severe overloading for a long period due to continuous growth in electricity demand. The situation has affected reliable power supply and delayed the release of new electricity connections, particularly for agricultural consumers.

The government highlighted that augmentation work at these substations, mainly involving the installation of additional transformers, is necessary to manage the increased load. The upgrades are also expected to support the implementation of a “two-block” daytime power supply system for farmers, which is aimed at improving agricultural productivity and reducing dependence on night-time electricity supply.

A key factor behind the urgency of the Commission’s order is rising public dissatisfaction in the affected areas. Power shortages and supply interruptions have reportedly led to dharna pradarshan, or public protests, creating the risk of law-and-order issues. Both the state government and the Commission acknowledged that the situation has reached a critical stage, requiring immediate intervention to maintain public order and ensure essential electricity supply.

While issuing the order, the Commission noted that the State Transmission Utility (STU) should ideally have anticipated the load growth and addressed the infrastructure requirements earlier. However, considering the present circumstances and the need to prevent further disruption, the Commission agreed that immediate energization of the augmented infrastructure was necessary.

As per the order, five substations—Bengatikalan, Sorda, Baytu, Ramji Ki Gol, and Khatoti—have been permitted to charge their newly installed transformers. This process must be carried out under the supervision of Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (RVPN), which is the state’s transmission utility. The sixth substation, Shekhsar, does not require fresh permission, as its new transformer was already charged in February 2025.

The Commission has clearly stated that all safety norms and statutory requirements must be strictly followed during the energization process. The permission granted is provisional and limited only to the charging and energization of the equipment. The Transmission Service Providers involved in the projects are still required to obtain the necessary transmission license in accordance with the Electricity Act.

Additionally, the Commission clarified that the final tariff related to the augmentation work will be determined separately under Section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The current approval does not imply acceptance of costs or tariff claims made by the developers.

RERC emphasized that this decision is being taken as an exceptional measure in view of the prevailing power crisis and public unrest. It has clearly stated that the order should not be treated as a precedent for similar cases in the future. The order has been signed by RERC Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma and Member Sh. Hemant Kumar Jain, and has been forwarded to RVPN and the Government of Rajasthan for immediate implementation.