The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has granted a 100% waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges to Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) for its 198 MW wind power project in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. The Commission also approved an extension of the project’s Scheduled Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) to February 4, 2026, recognizing that delays in the availability of transmission infrastructure were beyond the developer’s control.
The order was issued in Petition No. 169/MP/2026, filed by TPREL, which sought an extension of the project’s original SCOD and a full waiver of ISTS charges. The project was developed through TP Vardhaman Surya Limited, a subsidiary established by TPREL to undertake hybrid and wind power projects under the captive power route. The 198 MW wind project was planned to supply electricity to Tata Steel Limited.
According to the final connectivity grant, the project’s original SCOD was scheduled for June 1, 2025. However, its development and commissioning were affected by delays in the readiness and availability of the Common Transmission System (CTS), which was necessary to operationalize General Network Access (GNA). The project also faced right-of-way (ROW) constraints, further affecting the commissioning schedule.
Despite these challenges, TPREL continued work on the project and achieved commercial operation for portions of the installed capacity during late 2025. The company subsequently commissioned the entire 198 MW capacity, with the project achieving full commercial operation on February 4, 2026.
To seek regulatory relief, TPREL approached the designated committee constituted under the CERC Sharing Regulations. After examining the circumstances surrounding the delay, the committee recommended extending the SCOD in two phases. In its final report dated March 11, 2026, the committee recommended February 4, 2026, as the revised SCOD for the entire project.
The committee observed that the developer had made diligent efforts to complete the project and that the delay was primarily caused by factors outside its control, particularly the non-availability of the required transmission infrastructure.
After examining the petition, supporting submissions and committee recommendations, CERC found that the project met the regulatory requirements for an SCOD extension under Regulation 13(2)(h) of the 2020 Sharing Regulations.
The Commission noted that the original SCOD had been scheduled before June 30, 2025, the commissioning delay was attributable to transmission system non-availability rather than any failure by the developer, and the entire project achieved commercial operation by the recommended extended date.
Based on these findings, CERC allowed TPREL’s petition and approved the revised SCOD of February 4, 2026. It further ruled that the 198 MW wind project would be eligible for a 100% waiver of ISTS charges, treating it as having achieved commercial operation on or before June 30, 2025.
The decision provides regulatory relief to TPREL and recognizes the impact of transmission infrastructure delays on renewable energy project commissioning. It also reinforces the importance of timely transmission system readiness in supporting the development and integration of renewable energy capacity in India.
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