CERC Grants Conditional Extension of Grid Connectivity for Delayed Renewable Projects

CERC Grants Conditional Extension of Grid Connectivity for Delayed Renewable Projects

March 7, 2026

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has allowed renewable energy developers to receive an extension of interstate transmission system connectivity in cases where their projects faced delays in commissioning. The decision provides conditional relief to developers whose grid connectivity had been revoked earlier due to project delays, while also maintaining regulatory discipline in the sector.

The case relates to actions taken by the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL), which had issued revocation notices after developers failed to meet the timelines specified under the Connectivity and General Network Access Regulations, 2022. The commission ruled that CTUIL had acted according to the rules when revoking connectivity for delayed projects. However, it also decided that certain developers could be granted additional time under specific conditions.

Under the order, renewable energy developers seeking an extension must comply with regulatory requirements, including meeting revised timelines and fulfilling necessary project milestones. These include demonstrating progress in project development, such as land acquisition, financial closure, and other implementation stages. The regulator emphasized that extensions would only be granted when developers can show genuine progress toward project completion.

The commission also clarified that the extension does not automatically reinstate connectivity for all delayed projects. Instead, each case will be evaluated individually, and developers must adhere to conditions laid out by the regulator and transmission authorities. If the required milestones are not met within the revised timeline, connectivity may again be revoked.

The ruling reflects the regulator’s effort to strike a balance between enforcing grid connectivity rules and supporting renewable energy projects facing genuine delays. As India continues to expand solar and wind capacity to meet its clean energy targets, efficient use of transmission infrastructure and timely project execution remain critical for integrating large amounts of renewable power into the national grid.