CERC Disposes 1200 MW Connectivity BESS Metering Petition Following Regulatory Approval

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has permitted the withdrawal of Petition No. 835/MP/2025 filed by ACME Solar Holdings Limited (ASHL) regarding the approval of a metering scheme for its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The project was planned to optimize the previously granted 1200 MW connectivity quantum by integrating battery storage with existing solar power projects.

In its original petition, ASHL had sought regulatory clarity and operational support for implementing a specific metering arrangement for the BESS. The company requested the Commission to declare its proposed metering scheme as compliant with existing regulations. It also sought directions to the Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre (NRLDC) to allow injection and withdrawal of power from the grid in line with the proposed metering framework.

Additionally, ASHL requested that the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) ensure that no operational hurdles were placed on the BESS, as long as the net injection remained within the approved connectivity limits. The petitioner also sought permission to charge the battery systems using excess instantaneous power generated beyond the sanctioned connectivity quantum.

The matter was admitted in October 2025. Around the same time, on October 6, 2025, the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), also known as Grid-India, issued a general procedural framework titled “Procedure for Scheduling, Metering, Accounting and Deviation Settlement, Transmission Charge Waiver and REC Mechanism related to ESS.” This framework provided broader regulatory clarity for energy storage systems connected to the grid.

During a hearing held on February 5, 2026, ASHL informed the Commission of its intention to withdraw the petition. In an affidavit dated February 14, 2026, the company stated that its main objective had already been achieved. It noted that the NRLDC had approved the final metering scheme in October 2025, resolving the core issue raised in the petition. However, ASHL requested liberty to approach the Commission again if any future challenges arise during implementation, scheduling, or deviation settlement once the BESS is fully integrated with the co-located solar projects.

The NRLDC also clarified on February 12, 2026, that although the general framework was issued in October 2025, the specific metering scheme applicable to ASHL had been communicated earlier, in June 2025.

The Commission, chaired by Jishnu Barua along with Members Ramesh Babu V. and Harish Dudani, accepted the request. The petition was formally disposed of, with liberty granted to the petitioner to seek future remedies in accordance with the law.