GERC Allows Waaree Energies to Use Existing 66 kV Line for 20.7 MW Solar Project In Gujarat

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has permitted Waaree Energies Limited to temporarily use an existing 66 kV transmission line and feeder bay owned by the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) to evacuate power from its 20.7 MW solar power project in Chikhli, Navsari. The approval provides interim relief to the solar developer while its dedicated power evacuation infrastructure is under construction, helping avoid delays in project operations and unnecessary duplication of existing transmission assets.

The decision follows a dispute between Waaree Energies and GETCO over the utilisation of an existing 6.31 km underground 66 kV cable line and an associated feeder bay at the 220 kV Ambheta Sub-Station. Waaree had originally financed and constructed the transmission infrastructure under Option-III of the Supply Code to meet the electricity requirements of its manufacturing facility in Chikhli.

However, after the company increased its contract demand and shifted to a 220 kV power supply arrangement, the existing 66 kV infrastructure became redundant. The line remained unused from October 2025, prompting Waaree to seek permission to utilise it for evacuating electricity from its new 20.7 MW captive solar power project at the same location.

GETCO rejected the request, arguing that renewable energy generators are required to establish dedicated transmission lines for power evacuation. It maintained that the existing 66 kV infrastructure formed part of its transmission network and was intended for consumer electricity supply rather than renewable power generation.

Following the rejection, Waaree approached GERC through Petition No. 2706 of 2026. The company highlighted that constructing a separate transmission line could take up to 18 months, potentially delaying the solar project. It also raised concerns about the possible damage to the existing underground cable during the construction of another line and pointed out that keeping the available infrastructure idle would result in inefficient utilisation of electrical assets.

During the proceedings, both parties reached a mutually acceptable arrangement. Waaree agreed that it would not claim ownership rights over the existing transmission line or feeder bay and acknowledged that their ownership and overall operational control would remain exclusively with GETCO.

Under the approved arrangement, Waaree can utilise the existing infrastructure until November 25, 2027, representing a maximum period of 1.5 years from the date grid connectivity was granted, or until its dedicated evacuation line becomes operational, whichever occurs earlier. GERC has clarified that no further extension will be allowed.

The Commission has also specified several conditions for the temporary utilisation. Waaree must pay applicable transmission, operation and maintenance, bay usage and deviation charges. The company will bear transmission losses up to the Ambheta sub-station interconnection point and undertake maintenance activities under GETCO’s supervision. It must also arrange appropriate Availability Based Tariff (ABT) metering facilities.

Additionally, GETCO retains the right to reclaim the infrastructure immediately if electricity demand from consumers arises. Waaree will be responsible for disconnection costs and restoration of the site without seeking financial compensation.

The order was passed by GERC Chairman Pankaj Joshi and Members Hiren Shah and Jatin N. Thakkar. The decision balances renewable energy project requirements with transmission network management while encouraging efficient utilisation of existing infrastructure.