GERC Grants Extension For Seven Point Eight MW Captive Solar Project

10 Apr 2026 CW Team

The request was considered under GERC Order No. 06 of 2024 and the Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy 2023, which require solar projects ranging from one MW to 100 MW to be commissioned within 12 months of the Technical Feasibility Report. For Panara Craft the deadline was 22 April 2025 but the company argued the delays were beyond its control and should be treated as unavoidable circumstances. Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited and Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited opposed the extension, asserting developer responsibility and noting that delayed disbursement did not amount to force majeure.

GERC examined project progress and observed that key technical activities such as pile drilling, casting and structure mounting had largely been completed. The Commission also referenced its earlier order in Petition No. 2564 of 2025 that extended the timeline for evacuation infrastructure from 12 months to 18 months. The company warned that strict action including cancellation of connectivity or encashment of bank guarantees worth Rs 3.9 million (mn) would inflict serious financial losses.

Balancing the circumstances, the Commission granted additional time and directed Panara Craft to complete remaining technical and regulatory work within six months from the date of its order, offering the developer an opportunity to secure grid connectivity without immediate penalties. The decision reflects an attempt to reconcile regulatory timelines with practical financing and infrastructure challenges and signals that prompt coordination remains essential to avoid future enforcement actions.

Panara Craft LLP sought a 90 day extension to commission its seven point eight megawatt (MW) captive solar power project in Gujarat, citing delays in financing and completion of evacuation infrastructure. The project is divided into two three point nine MW installations in Bharuch district and has faced setbacks in securing grid connectivity. The company said the loan process with the State Bank of India began in March 2024, was sanctioned in November 2024 and disbursement started in February 2025, which slowed execution. The request was considered under GERC Order No. 06 of 2024 and the Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy 2023, which require solar projects ranging from one MW to 100 MW to be commissioned within 12 months of the Technical Feasibility Report. For Panara Craft the deadline was 22 April 2025 but the company argued the delays were beyond its control and should be treated as unavoidable circumstances. Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited and Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited opposed the extension, asserting developer responsibility and noting that delayed disbursement did not amount to force majeure. GERC examined project progress and observed that key technical activities such as pile drilling, casting and structure mounting had largely been completed. The Commission also referenced its earlier order in Petition No. 2564 of 2025 that extended the timeline for evacuation infrastructure from 12 months to 18 months. The company warned that strict action including cancellation of connectivity or encashment of bank guarantees worth Rs 3.9 million (mn) would inflict serious financial losses. Balancing the circumstances, the Commission granted additional time and directed Panara Craft to complete remaining technical and regulatory work within six months from the date of its order, offering the developer an opportunity to secure grid connectivity without immediate penalties. The decision reflects an attempt to reconcile regulatory timelines with practical financing and infrastructure challenges and signals that prompt coordination remains essential to avoid future enforcement actions.

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