GERC Grants Six-Month Extension For 1.19 MW Solar Project In Bharuch Amid Delays

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has considered a petition filed by Kenoor Organics Pvt. Limited along with seven other companies seeking additional time to complete their 1.19 MW solar project in Bharuch. The companies, operating under the Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy 2023, had requested a six-month extension for grid connectivity and open access, citing several challenges that delayed the project.

According to the petitioners, unexpected factors slowed down progress at the project site located at Survey No. 414 in Kondh. They explained that irregular monsoon conditions made the area difficult to access for construction work. In addition, ongoing bridge construction in the region disrupted the movement of materials and equipment. The companies also pointed to global supply chain issues that affected the timely delivery of critical components.

The project was initially required to be completed within 12 months from the date of receiving the Technical Feasibility Report (TFR), which set the deadline as March 17, 2025. The petitioners informed the Commission that they had already invested around ₹5.5 crore into the project. They warned that if the connectivity approval was canceled or if bank guarantees were invoked, it would lead to significant financial losses. They also highlighted delays in getting approved meter serial numbers from Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL), which further impacted their timelines.

However, DGVCL opposed the request for extension. The utility stated that the developers were fully aware of the 12-month deadline from the beginning. It argued that the delay was mainly due to the companies’ own decisions, such as placing purchase orders only in July 2024 despite receiving the TFR in March. DGVCL also said that monsoon conditions are a regular seasonal feature in Gujarat and cannot be treated as an unforeseen event unless supported by clear evidence of extreme weather. The utility stressed that delays in project execution can lead to underutilization of transmission infrastructure, which affects overall system efficiency.

After examining the case and taking into account a separate general extension order under Petition No. 2564 of 2025, GERC decided to grant relief to the petitioners with certain conditions. The Commission directed the companies to complete all pending technical and regulatory requirements within six months from the date of the order.

GERC also instructed DGVCL and Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) to support the process by providing necessary facilitation and granting physical connectivity once the developers meet all requirements. The decision reflects an effort to support renewable energy development in the state while ensuring that developers remain committed to timely project completion.