Lucknow: In a relief to power developers facing delays in obtaining access to the national electricity transmission network, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has amended its connectivity regulations to allow withdrawal of grid connectivity applications and refund of bank guarantees under specific conditions.The changes are part of the CERC (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, notified on Nov 11. The provisions will come into force after publication in the official gazette.Under revised rules, developers can surrender their entire connectivity allocation if there is a delay of two years or more between the grant of in-principle and final connectivity approvals, or if the scheduled connectivity date is postponed by at least two years.To avail the relief, developers must submit their withdrawal applications within 45 days of receiving final approval. Projects that have not received final approval even after two years from the grant of in-principle connectivity can also apply for withdrawal within 45 days of completing the two-year period.The nodal agency is required to decide on such requests within 15 days. Once approved, bank guarantees furnished by developers will be refunded, though the application fee will remain non-refundable.The amended regulations also seek to improve utilisation of the existing transmission network. Renewable energy and battery energy storage projects with capacities of 50 MW or more can apply for connectivity during non-solar hours, subject to availability.The central transmission utility has been directed to publish the available transmission capacity at eligible substations every month.In another key reform, eligible consumers can maintain connectivity with both the inter-state transmission system and state transmission networks after obtaining necessary approvals and paying applicable charges.The regulations also provide for earlier release of certain bank guarantees after one year of commercial operation, replacing the previous five-year phased release mechanism aimed at easing liquidity pressures on developers.CERC accepts 3 key suggestions from UP consumer bodyLucknow: Three recommendations of the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad have been incorporated into the amended Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) regulations notified on Nov 11. Parishad chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma said the accepted proposals include a one-time network access charge to lower transmission costs, provisions for surrender of unused connectivity after prolonged delays, and mandatory monthly disclosure of available transmission capacity at substations.
