The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has recently resolved a dispute involving Halvad Renewables Private Limited (HRPL), Azure Power India Private Limited, and the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited over the development of transmission infrastructure at the Gadag Pooling Station.
The issue revolved around HRPL’s request to be officially recognized as the “Lead Generator” for constructing a dedicated transmission line linked to its 130 MW renewable energy project. Earlier, CTUIL had granted connectivity to HRPL on the condition that it would share a transmission line that was planned to be developed by Azure Power. However, the situation changed when both companies entered into a mutual Sharing Agreement in February 2025. Under this agreement, HRPL was given the responsibility to construct and own the transmission infrastructure instead of Azure.
Despite this private arrangement, CTUIL initially declined to revise the connectivity approval. The utility stated that it did not have the regulatory authority to make such changes after the original grant was issued. It also pointed out that Azure Power had priority rights over the specific transmission bay at the pooling station. This created a challenge for HRPL, as it argued that without formal recognition as the project developer, it would not be able to secure necessary statutory approvals and move forward with construction.
During the hearing, Azure Power clarified that it had no objection to HRPL taking over the responsibility for building the transmission line. The company also informed the Commission that it had reduced its planned capacity from 170 MW to 120 MW by relinquishing 50 MW, further supporting HRPL’s position in the matter.
After reviewing the case, the Commission ruled in favor of allowing HRPL to develop the transmission infrastructure. It observed that under the General Network Access regulations, more than one entity can share a terminal bay at an interstate transmission system substation. To formalize this arrangement, the Commission directed HRPL to submit a Connectivity Bank Guarantee of ₹3 crore within 45 days, ensuring its commitment to the project.
On the issue of timelines, HRPL had requested an extension of its connectivity start date from December 2026 to October 2027. The company cited delays arising from negotiations and legal proceedings as the reason. However, the Commission rejected this request. It stated that such delays were internal matters between HRPL and Azure and did not justify altering the approved schedule.
The Commission maintained that the firm connectivity date of December 31, 2026, must be adhered to. It also cautioned that any failure to meet this deadline would attract the applicable regulatory consequences, reinforcing the importance of timely project execution in the power sector.
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