CSERC Approves Phased Power Load Enhancement Up Uo 50 MVA Through FY 2027–28 In Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has partially approved UltraTech Cement Limited’s petition seeking an enhancement of power drawal capacity for its Rawan cement plant in Chhattisgarh. The Commission has permitted the company to increase its approved power drawal load in phases, allowing an enhancement from 22 MVA to 30 MVA during the financial year 2026–27 and a further increase to 50 MVA during FY 2027–28. However, the company will need to submit separate petitions for approval of the remaining capacity enhancement up to 80 MVA.

UltraTech Cement had approached the Commission seeking permission to increase its power drawal capacity up to 80 MW through its existing dedicated 132 kV Suhela-Rawan transmission line. The line is connected to the 220/132 kV Suhela substation and serves the power requirements of the company’s Rawan cement plant.

During the proceedings, the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) and Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL) raised concerns regarding the technical feasibility and operational implications of permitting a higher power drawal through the existing transmission infrastructure. Both utilities highlighted that allowing substantial additional load on a single-circuit transmission line without adequate technical assessment could affect grid stability, thermal loading limits, voltage regulation and the reliability of electricity supply to other consumers.

CSPTCL also pointed out that accommodating higher power demand could require infrastructure augmentation at the Suhela substation. One of the proposed requirements was the installation of an additional 160 MVA transformer to support the increased load. The transmission utility maintained that the cost of any necessary system strengthening and infrastructure augmentation should be borne by UltraTech Cement.

After examining the submissions from the petitioner and the respondents, CSERC considered the provisions of the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Supply Code, 2011, and the State Grid Code, 2011. The Commission observed that higher contract demand beyond prescribed limits requires regulatory approval and must be supported by technical feasibility assessments. It also evaluated the existing substation capacity, available infrastructure and the company’s proposed phased implementation schedule.

Based on its assessment, the Commission granted approval for the initial two phases of load enhancement. The permitted increase from 22 MVA to 30 MVA will apply during FY 2026–27, followed by an enhancement from 30 MVA to 50 MVA in FY 2027–28.

For the subsequent phases covering an increase from 50 MVA to 80 MVA during FY 2028–29 and FY 2029–30, UltraTech Cement must approach the Commission through separate petitions. The company will also be responsible for bearing the costs of required system augmentation and submitting the necessary documents and undertakings.

The Commission further directed the concerned utilities to independently assess technical feasibility and grid safety requirements before implementing each subsequent stage of the proposed load enhancement.