Grid India has submitted proposals to amend the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (CERC) draft procedure for granting Temporary General Network Access (T-GNA) to the interstate transmission system. The move aims to allow power projects to schedule up to their full T-GNA capacity, ensuring efficient grid utilisation, fair access, and stable power distribution across regions.

Under the proposal, entities registered with the National Open Access Registry (NOAR) for short-term access approvals would also need to register with their respective Regional Load Dispatch Centres (RLDCs) for T-GNA approvals. This dual registration is expected to improve coordination and streamline approvals for temporary network access.

Bi-monthly clearance for deemed T-GNA

For generating stations whose General Network Access (GNA) is yet to become effective, RLDCs will identify projects seeking deemed T-GNA and issue standing clearances every two months. This measure will help projects operate within their sanctioned capacity while awaiting full GNA activation, preventing underutilisation of transmission infrastructure.

T-GNA clearance will be granted based on the available margin in the transmission network. This ensures grid stability and prevents over-scheduling, keeping total power flows within system limits while allowing optimal capacity use.

Equal treatment for renewable projects

Renewable energy projects linked to a pooling station via deemed T-GNA will be treated on par with those holding or awaiting GNA. This ensures equitable access for clean energy developers and supports greater integration of renewables into the national grid.

Under the proposed system, applications for deemed T-GNA between the 1st and 15th of a month must be submitted within 24 hours of the 25th of the previous month. Permissions will be allocated pro-rata based on available transmission capacity, ensuring fair and transparent scheduling.

Applications submitted after the 25th will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, maintaining openness and consistency in granting approvals.

Flexibility for hybrid power projects

Hybrid power generators — with or without energy storage — may receive standing clearance up to their installed capacity, provided scheduling remains within the approved connectivity quantum. This helps maintain safe and reliable operation of the transmission system.

Entities granted T-GNA for renewable energy projects (T-GNARE) can convert them into regular T-GNA by applying to the nodal RLDC. Power delivery can start four months after application, giving time for system integration and network coordination.

These proposed amendments are expected to enhance grid efficiency, promote renewable integration, and ensure fairness in allocating transmission capacity across India’s growing power sector.