CERC clears ISTS licences across North East, Rajasthan and Gujarat

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued a series of orders covering new ISTS licences and one proposed licence, marking steady progress on transmission projects in the North East, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The decisions span tariff based competitive bidding and the Regulated Tariff Mechanism and involve coordination with CTUIL, CEA and multiple project developers.

CERC has granted a 25 year ISTS licence to NER Expansion Transmission Limited for the North Eastern Region Expansion Scheme XXV Part A. The order was issued on 17 November 2025 in Petition No. 755/TL/2025 by Chairperson Jishnu Barua and Members Ramesh Babu V, Harish Dudani and Ravinder Singh Dhillon. The scheme is being developed through tariff based competitive bidding with PFCCL as bid process coordinator. Resonia Limited was selected with annual transmission charges of Rs 1894.40 million per year. The licence covers a new 400 kV switching station at Bornagar in Assam with future provision for 765 kV and 220 kV levels, LILO works on the Bongaigaon Balipara 400 kV line, reconfiguration of the Alipurduar Bongaigaon 400 kV line and installation of switchable line reactors. All elements must be commissioned by 23 July 2028. CERC recorded that the licensee must coordinate with ENICL for line shifting and communication arrangements. The Commission issued a prima facie order on 30 October 2025 and invited comments through notices in Hindustan Times and Amar Ujala. No objections were received. CTUIL recommended the licence on 4 August 2025. The licensee must comply with all regulations, maintain technical standards, provide open access, pay fees on time and follow NLDC and RLDC directions.

In Gujarat, CERC has approved an ISTS licence for Navinal Transmission Limited to develop the Network Expansion Scheme in the Navinal area of Mundra for drawal of power. The scheme was awarded through competitive bidding run by PFC Consulting Limited. Adani Energy Solutions Limited won with annual transmission charges of Rs 2987.14 million. The project includes a 4×1500 MVA, 765/400 kV GIS substation at Navinal, LILO of the Bhuj II Lakadia 765 kV line and installation of switchable line reactors, with completion due by 14 July 2026. A key issue was who should bear the cost of the Inter connecting Transformers and associated bays. CTUIL argued that these qualify as “necessary augmentation” under Regulation 12.5 of the GNA Regulations and should be funded by the bulk consumers granted GNA or GNARE. The consumers opposed this. CERC reviewed the planning record and held that MPSEZ Utilities Limited, Mundra Petrochem Limited and Kutch Copper Limited must bear the cost in proportion to their granted GNA or GNARE. They must deposit their share within 30 days or their GNA or GNARE will stand cancelled. CTUIL must notify each entity of the required amount and keep the funds in a separate account. The licence to NTL is valid for 25 years, with compliance oversight by CTUIL and CEA.

CERC has also initiated the process for granting a separate ISTS licence to POWERGRID Barmer I Transmission Limited for the Barmer solar evacuation project. PBITL has sought a Regulated Tariff Mechanism licence for a single 220 kV bay at the 765/400/220 kV Barmer I pooling station to connect Anboto Solar’s 250 MW plus 50 MW projects. The estimated cost is Rs 6.18 crore, with a scheduled completion date of 7 November 2026. The bench of Chairperson Jishnu Barua and Members Harish Dudani and Ravinder Singh Dhillon noted that the requirement was endorsed in the 27th and 31st Consultation Meetings for Northern Region planning and is supported by the Ministry of Power’s 28 October 2021 order authorising CTUIL to approve ISTS projects up to Rs 100 crore. The Commission held that PBITL meets the criteria under Section 15 of the Electricity Act and the 2024 Transmission Licence Regulations. CERC has not granted the licence yet. A public notice inviting comments or objections by 28 November 2025 has been directed. The petition will be reheard on 4 December 2025. CTUIL must also submit the Concession Agreement within one month. After commissioning and licensing, PBITL will approach CERC for final transmission charge determination.

The featured photograph is for representation only.