CTUIL Issues Advisory To Resolve Capacity Mismatches In Renewable Energy Projects

The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) issued an advisory aimed at resolving technical mismatches in renewable energy (RE) projects related to connectivity approvals. The update focuses on cases where the actual installed capacity of equipment, such as inverters or wind turbines, is higher than the capacity specified in the government-issued connectivity grant. Previously, such differences required developers to seek capacity enhancements under strict regulatory processes. Following a December 2025 order from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), the rules have now been relaxed. Developers can install additional equipment to meet technical requirements at the Point of Injection (POI) without needing extra Bank Guarantees (Conn-BGs).

The additional capacity is intended solely for managing reactive power, internal transmission losses, and other technical compliance requirements. CERC has made it clear that while physical equipment capacity may be higher to account for these factors, the actual active power injected into the grid cannot exceed the originally granted connectivity. To ensure transparency, applicants are required to submit an undertaking, as provided in Annexure-A of the advisory. This document must detail the breakdown of active power delivery, reactive power, and losses, all supported by steady-state simulation results.

The advisory also incorporates updated procedures from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regarding design temperatures. Since the performance of RE plants can vary depending on ambient conditions, simulation studies must now follow specific temperatures prescribed by the CEA. In cases where inverter capacity exceeds rated installed capacity due to temperature-related requirements, such details must be clearly mentioned in the technical connection documents.

To improve administrative efficiency, CTUIL has introduced measures to streamline the review process. Developers will receive comments on simulation study reports, but they are allowed only three rounds of revisions. If issues remain unresolved after three attempts, the application will be closed, and the developer must submit a fresh application through the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal. Additionally, applicants are now required to submit Python automation files for batch processing of simulation cases. These files must be well-commented and include dynamic simulation settings for platforms such as PSSE and PSCAD.

Overall, these changes reflect a shift toward a more flexible yet technically rigorous framework for renewable energy development in India. By allowing additional equipment installation for technical compliance while enforcing strict limits on active power injection, the advisory seeks to balance the growth of renewable energy with grid stability. The updates are expected to simplify connectivity processes for developers, reduce delays, and ensure that simulation studies are consistent and accurate. This move is likely to support faster commissioning of RE projects, encourage higher-quality technical planning, and strengthen compliance with CERC and CEA regulations. The new measures indicate the government’s focus on creating a more developer-friendly environment while maintaining a secure and stable power grid.

This advisory is an important step toward improving the efficiency of renewable energy project approvals in India, ensuring that developers can meet technical requirements without unnecessary procedural burdens, and supporting the overall expansion of the country’s renewable energy sector.