CERC Restores Grid Connectivity for Serentica and ReNew
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

CERC Restores Grid Connectivity for Serentica and ReNew

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission set aside revocation of grid connectivity for renewable projects by Serentica Renewables India 4 Pvt Ltd and ReNew Green entities and directed payment of compensation for commissioning delays. The Commission emphasised the need to protect transmission infrastructure while ensuring regulatory compliance. Relief was conditional and linked to specified penalties.

The dispute began after the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited revoked connectivity on the ground that projects had not been commissioned within timelines under the General Network Access regulations. The developers contested the action, arguing they were transitioned entities and that the six-month revocation period should be measured from the new connectivity start date granted during transition rather than from the scheduled date of commercial operation (SCOD). They cited uncontrollable factors including unprecedented rainfall that halted construction for more than 100 workdays, right of way issues, farmer protests and clearance delays.

The petitioners said projects were at advanced stages with multiple wind turbine generators erected and substantial capital deployed, noting investments of around Rs 11,870 million (mn) by Serentica and about Rs 26,810 mn by ReNew. CTUIL maintained that transitioned developers became deemed applicants bound by the regulations and that the grant of connectivity did not alter original commissioning timelines. The transmission utility argued it lacked authority to relax statutory provisions and that revocation followed the prescribed procedure when deadlines were missed.

After review CERC found that Regulation 24.6 applies to transitioned entities but identified a gap in the transition process that left the scheduled date of commercial operation undefined and therefore ruled that the SCOD should be equated to the new connectivity start date in such cases. The Commission set aside the revocation notices under its powers but granted conditional relief requiring payment of compensation linked to delays, beginning with charges equivalent to 50 per cent of bank guarantees for the first three months and escalating daily penalties thereafter. The Commission capped delay at 15 months and warned connectivity will be revoked if projects are not commissioned within that timeframe, aiming to safeguard investments.

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission set aside revocation of grid connectivity for renewable projects by Serentica Renewables India 4 Pvt Ltd and ReNew Green entities and directed payment of compensation for commissioning delays. The Commission emphasised the need to protect transmission infrastructure while ensuring regulatory compliance. Relief was conditional and linked to specified penalties. The dispute began after the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited revoked connectivity on the ground that projects had not been commissioned within timelines under the General Network Access regulations. The developers contested the action, arguing they were transitioned entities and that the six-month revocation period should be measured from the new connectivity start date granted during transition rather than from the scheduled date of commercial operation (SCOD). They cited uncontrollable factors including unprecedented rainfall that halted construction for more than 100 workdays, right of way issues, farmer protests and clearance delays. The petitioners said projects were at advanced stages with multiple wind turbine generators erected and substantial capital deployed, noting investments of around Rs 11,870 million (mn) by Serentica and about Rs 26,810 mn by ReNew. CTUIL maintained that transitioned developers became deemed applicants bound by the regulations and that the grant of connectivity did not alter original commissioning timelines. The transmission utility argued it lacked authority to relax statutory provisions and that revocation followed the prescribed procedure when deadlines were missed. After review CERC found that Regulation 24.6 applies to transitioned entities but identified a gap in the transition process that left the scheduled date of commercial operation undefined and therefore ruled that the SCOD should be equated to the new connectivity start date in such cases. The Commission set aside the revocation notices under its powers but granted conditional relief requiring payment of compensation linked to delays, beginning with charges equivalent to 50 per cent of bank guarantees for the first three months and escalating daily penalties thereafter. The Commission capped delay at 15 months and warned connectivity will be revoked if projects are not commissioned within that timeframe, aiming to safeguard investments.

Next Story
Real Estate

Loomcraft Enters South India with Kerala Store Launch

Loomcraft has launched its exclusive store in Kerala, marking its entry into South India and a key step in its nationwide expansion strategy. The move targets a region driven by tourism and premium real estate demand, where outdoor spaces play a central role in hospitality and residential experiences.Kerala’s growing base of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, villas and gated communities has created strong demand for specialised outdoor furniture. However, the region has remained underserved, with buyers relying on imports or generic products not suited to humid, coastal and monsoon-heavy cond..

Next Story
Building Material

Mild Steel Prices Seen Rising to Rs 61,000 Per Tonne

Mild steel prices in India, currently around Rs 58,000 per tonne, are expected to rise to nearly Rs 61,000 per tonne in April, indicating an increase of about Rs 3,000 per tonne. The anticipated rise reflects structural pressures driven by geopolitical tensions, energy constraints and limited raw material availability.Ongoing global conflict has disrupted energy markets, leading to LNG shortages that are affecting domestic steel production. Small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly those dependent on gas-based processes, are witnessing production cuts due to constrained energy supply, re..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Vedanta Expands Transgender Workforce to 75 Employees

Vedanta has strengthened its commitment to workplace inclusion by employing 75 transgender individuals across its businesses, including Vedanta Aluminium, Hindustan Zinc, Sesa Goa, FACOR and Cairn Oil & Gas. The initiative reflects sustained hiring efforts since 2022 to build equitable opportunities across operations, corporate and technical roles.Transgender employees are engaged in functions such as operations, finance, logistics, HR, CSR, healthcare and security, with provisions for internal mobility to support career progression. The company has implemented structured policies, includi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement