The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has notified the Gujarat Electricity Grid Code, 2026, through Notification No. 09 of 2026. The framework covers the operation, planning, scheduling and development of Gujarat’s intra-state power grid, replacing the code notified on July 16, 2013. It came into force on publication in the Official Gazette.

Issued under the Electricity Act, 2003, and the Gujarat Electricity Industry (Reorganisation and Regulation) Act, 2003, the code applies to entities operating within Gujarat’s intra-state electricity network. Inter-state transmission systems will continue to be governed by the Indian Electricity Grid Code issued by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) will continue as the State Transmission Utility, responsible for transmission planning, coordination, open access and infrastructure development. The State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) remains the apex body for real-time monitoring, scheduling, dispatch, system control and energy accounting, with operational authority over connected generating and distribution entities. Regional Sub-SLDCs will support its functions.

The regulations establish the State Operation Coordination Committee for system planning and outage coordination, and the State Level Protection Co-ordination Committee for protection systems and related operational requirements. A Resource Planning Code requires 10-year rolling plans for transmission development, integrated resource planning and demand forecasting across multiple time horizons.

The Connection Code sets technical requirements for network interfaces, telemetry, communications, protection equipment and cybersecurity. Separate provisions cover solar, wind, wind-solar hybrid, standalone Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs), including testing, trial runs and Commercial Operation Date requirements.

To improve flexibility, thermal power plants must operate at minimum turndown levels of up to 55 per cent of Maximum Continuous Rating, with compensation for part-load operation. Scheduling and dispatch will use 15-minute blocks for long-term, medium-term, short-term and real-time transactions. Frequency must remain between 49.900 Hz and 50.050 Hz, supported by primary, secondary and tertiary reserves. Deviations and reactive power exchanges will be settled through state pool accounts, while persistent non-compliance could lead to disconnection and legal penalties.