CERC Introduces Fourth Amendment to Connectivity and GNA Regulations, 2025

New Delhi, India – March 2025: The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has released the Draft Fourth Amendment to the Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) Regulations, 2025, introducing significant policy changes aimed at enhancing transmission efficiency, optimizing renewable energy integration, and strengthening compliance mechanisms.

The amendment proposes a new category, “Restricted Access” entities, which applies to Renewable Energy Generating Stations (REGS) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). These entities will have limited injection scheduling rights based on defined solar and non-solar hours, a move aimed at improving grid stability by aligning energy supply with demand and availability. The scheduling will be managed weekly by the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC).

Additionally, stricter financial and operational obligations have been introduced to ensure efficient project implementation. Developers will now be required to meet financial guarantee requirements and comply with a maximum 18-month commercial operation deadline for additional generation capacity.

To prevent speculative capacity hoarding and ensure financial discipline, the amendment restricts shareholding changes before the Commercial Operation Date (COD) for connectivity grantees. This measure is expected to enhance investment security and promote sustainable power transmission planning.

Furthermore, the amendment introduces a cost-sharing framework for shared transmission infrastructure, mandating agreements between multiple entities utilizing the same capacity. This will ensure fair distribution of transmission costs and promote efficient utilization of network resources.

Strengthening India's Transmission Framework

The Fourth Amendment to the CERC GNA Regulations, 2025, marks a significant shift in India's electricity transmission policy, reinforcing regulatory oversight, financial discipline, and efficient connectivity mechanisms. By optimizing transmission planning, ensuring scheduling constraints, and improving investment security, these amendments contribute to India’s long-term energy sustainability goals.

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