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GERC Issues Draft Procedure for Grid Connectivity of Renewable Energy Projects

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has released a draft procedure detailing how renewable energy projects, including those with energy storage systems, can apply for grid connectivity within the state. The draft, aligned with the GERC Green Energy Open Access Regulations 2024 and the Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy 2023, applies to a wide array of stakeholders such as project developers, DISCOMs, GETCO, GEDA, and state agencies. Stakeholders can submit feedback by May 30, 2025.

Applications must be submitted online via the Akshay Urja Setu Portal after one-time registration with GEDA, and completed with physical submission of original documents within seven days. A fixed priority system is established based on time-stamped applications. Projects must include detailed documentation, affidavits, and fees including a Rs1 lakh/MW infrastructure charge and up to Rs0.2 crore/MW in bank guarantees.

Eligibility extends to new projects, capacity augmentations, and developers undertaking substation and transmission infrastructure. Existing connected projects are exempt unless expanding. Once granted, connectivity is non-transferable except to parent or wholly owned subsidiaries, and developers are fully liable for charges.

GETCO will update monthly lists of substations, and applicants can prioritize up to three substations. Connectivity processing involves feasibility studies and is prioritized based on PPA/LOA status and land ownership. If no immediate capacity exists, provisional connectivity may be granted subject to system strengthening.

The procedure mandates compliance with technical standards from CERC, CEA, and GERC. Developers must submit quarterly reports and commission at least 10% of capacity shortly after line energization. Failure to comply leads to forfeiture of guarantees and loss of connectivity. Infrastructure sharing is permitted under formal agreements with shared costs and metering provisions.