GERC Rejects Extension Request for 20 MW Captive Solar Project Evacuation Infrastructure in Gujarat

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has rejected a petition filed by M/s Vgrown Tech Pvt. Limited, now known as M/s Kira Diam Tech Private Limited, seeking a one-year extension for the scheduled commissioning date (SCOD) of evacuation infrastructure for its 20 MW captive solar power project in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. The Commission ruled that the developer had failed to establish sufficient grounds for the requested extension and provide adequate evidence that the delays were caused by circumstances beyond its control.

The project involves evacuating power to the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) 66 kV Luvari Moli substation. The original scheduled commissioning date for the evacuation infrastructure was 30 January 2026. Following a general regulatory review, the deadline was extended to 31 July 2026. However, the developer subsequently approached GERC seeking another extension until 31 January 2027.

In its petition, the developer cited several factors that allegedly affected project implementation. These included an initial negative opinion from the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) concerning non-agricultural land clearances within an eco-sensitive zone. The company also referred to compliance requirements under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), global supply chain disruptions attributed to the conflict in the Middle East, and heavy seasonal rainfall.

The petitioner argued that these circumstances had affected its ability to complete the evacuation infrastructure within the extended timeline. It sought additional time to address the challenges and complete the required work for connecting the solar power project to the transmission network.

GETCO opposed the request, stating that the developer had not demonstrated sufficient diligence in planning and executing the project. According to the transmission utility, the applicable forest clearance requirements were already in place before the developer selected the land. GETCO also highlighted that equipment orders had been placed only in January 2026, leaving limited time to complete the necessary activities before the original deadline.

The utility further argued that general references to weather conditions and geopolitical developments were insufficient to establish valid grounds for an extension. It maintained that developers were responsible for completing projects within the prescribed timelines and should avoid delays that could result in transmission capacity being blocked without timely utilisation.

After examining the submissions and available records, GERC found that the petitioner had not provided concrete documentation demonstrating that forest-related restrictions or external supply chain issues had directly and unavoidably prevented the timely completion of the project.

The Commission observed that land acquisition and obtaining statutory approvals were primarily the developer’s responsibility. It also noted that seasonal rainfall, including monsoon conditions, could not ordinarily be treated as an unforeseeable force majeure event without specific supporting evidence.

GERC further highlighted that essential pre-commissioning testing and metering arrangements remained incomplete even after the extended deadline of 31 July 2026. These outstanding requirements raised concerns about the developer’s preparedness to commission the evacuation infrastructure within the prescribed period.

Based on these findings, the Commission concluded that the petitioner had failed to demonstrate adequate diligence or establish legally sustainable grounds for another extension. GERC therefore dismissed the petition seeking an extension until 31 January 2027, leaving the developer without the additional time it had requested.