CERC Upholds Revocation of Connectivity for 300 MW Wind Project; Denies Relief to Inox Green in Bhuj-II Transmission Dispute
In an order dated 17.11.2025, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has declined relief to Inox Green Energy Services Limited (IGESL) concerning its 300 MW connectivity at Bhuj-II Pooling Station, while upholding the regulatory framework governing connectivity and General Network Access (GNA).
The decision provides important clarity on compliance obligations under the GNA Regulations and the treatment of connectivity in cases of project delays.
1. Connectivity Linked to SECI-awarded Wind Projects
The matter pertains to IGESL’s 300 MW wind power project in Kutch, Gujarat, developed pursuant to six Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) executed with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
While SECI granted multiple extensions of the Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCOD) up to 31.08.2022, the project remained uncommissioned beyond the extended timelines.
2. Regulatory Compliance Under GNA Framework
The Commission examined compliance requirements under the Connectivity and GNA Regulations, including:
- Achievement of Commercial Operation Date (COD)
- Demonstration of financial closure
- Adherence to prescribed timelines for connectivity utilisation
The record indicated that these milestones had not been fulfilled within the applicable regulatory timelines.
3. Connectivity and GNA: Regulatory Consequences of Non-Compliance
Pursuant to the applicable regulatory framework, steps were taken in relation to the connectivity granted to the Petitioner, including:
- Issuance of notices seeking compliance with regulatory requirements
- Invocation of applicable provisions under the GNA Regulations
- Action in respect of connectivity and associated bank guarantees
The Commission observed that such measures were taken in accordance with the governing regulations and applicable procedures.
4. Consideration of Project Delays
The Petitioner attributed delays to factors such as:
- Land allocation challenges in Gujarat
- Delay in readiness of evacuation infrastructure
- Pandemic-related disruptions
- Financing constraints
While these factors were noted, the Commission emphasised that connectivity under the regulatory framework remains contingent upon timely compliance with prescribed milestones.
5. No Automatic Right to Retain or Reallocate Connectivity
The Petitioner sought retention of connectivity under alternative routes and requested that the 300 MW capacity be reserved in its favour.
The Commission declined these prayers, holding that:
- Connectivity is conditional and not absolute in nature
- Continued non-utilisation of allocated capacity cannot be sustained indefinitely
- Allocation of transmission capacity must align with regulatory discipline and system efficiency
6. Delineation of Issues Beyond Scope
The Commission clarified that certain issues including
- Extension of SCOD
- Liquidated damages under PPAs
are being examined in separate proceedings and were not adjudicated in the present matter.
