CERC Reinstates Connectivity For 196.8 MW Hybrid Project In Madhya Pradesh

13 May 2026 CW Team

The dispute followed regulatory amendments introduced in September 2025 that required developers to submit two connectivity bank guarantees, Conn-BG1 and Conn-BG3, by 8 November 2025. The total value of the guarantees was approximately Rs 14 million (mn); the developer submitted the instruments on 8 December 2025, one month after the deadline. VEH Jayin said the delay arose from internal administrative procedures and approvals involving its Australia-based investors and was not an intention to abandon or defer the project.

The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited rejected the late submission and revoked connectivity for the 45 MW solar component in March 2026 on the basis that timelines in the regulations were mandatory. VEH Jayin petitioned the Commission, arguing that the project had reached advanced stages of commissioning and that cancellation would create significant financial and operational hardship. The Commission found the delay unintentional, noted that the guarantees had been submitted and invoked its power to relax provisions to avoid undue hardship.

The regulator nevertheless imposed a financial penalty and directed the developer to pay Rs 0.7 million (mn), equal to five per cent of the required bank guarantee amount, within 30 days. After receipt of the payment, CTUIL was instructed to restore connectivity within one week and to process the necessary technical data so that the hybrid plant can proceed towards operations and planned captive renewable power supply. The order aims to balance regulatory discipline with practical facilitation of renewable capacity.

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has allowed VEH Jayin Renewables Private Limited to restore connectivity approval for its hybrid renewable energy project in Madhya Pradesh. The order, issued on 7 May 2026, resolves a dispute over delayed submission of mandatory financial guarantees and clears the way for the project to move towards commissioning. The installation has a combined capacity of 196.8 megawatt (MW), comprising a 151.8 MW wind element and a 45 MW solar component. The dispute followed regulatory amendments introduced in September 2025 that required developers to submit two connectivity bank guarantees, Conn-BG1 and Conn-BG3, by 8 November 2025. The total value of the guarantees was approximately Rs 14 million (mn); the developer submitted the instruments on 8 December 2025, one month after the deadline. VEH Jayin said the delay arose from internal administrative procedures and approvals involving its Australia-based investors and was not an intention to abandon or defer the project. The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited rejected the late submission and revoked connectivity for the 45 MW solar component in March 2026 on the basis that timelines in the regulations were mandatory. VEH Jayin petitioned the Commission, arguing that the project had reached advanced stages of commissioning and that cancellation would create significant financial and operational hardship. The Commission found the delay unintentional, noted that the guarantees had been submitted and invoked its power to relax provisions to avoid undue hardship. The regulator nevertheless imposed a financial penalty and directed the developer to pay Rs 0.7 million (mn), equal to five per cent of the required bank guarantee amount, within 30 days. After receipt of the payment, CTUIL was instructed to restore connectivity within one week and to process the necessary technical data so that the hybrid plant can proceed towards operations and planned captive renewable power supply. The order aims to balance regulatory discipline with practical facilitation of renewable capacity.

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