How foreign entities can connect to India’s grid under new CTU draft procedure
The Central Transmission Utility (CTU) has released the Draft Detailed Procedure for Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) for Cross Border Trade of Electricity under Regulation 33A of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Cross Border Trade of Electricity) Regulations, 2019.
Under the draft procedure, applications for connectivity and GNA must be submitted online through the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal.
Applicants will be required to submit a notarized affidavit, board resolution, approval from the Designated Authority and the prescribed bank guarantees along with their applications.
The procedure has been aligned with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) Regulations, 2022, while incorporating provisions specific to cross-border electricity trade.
Bank guarantee requirements
The draft mandates an Application Bank Guarantee (Conn-BG1/GNA-BG1) of Rs 50 lakh per application.
Applicants seeking GNA will also be required to furnish an Access Bank Guarantee (GNA-BG2) of Rs 5 lakh per MW for the quantum of GNA requested.
Processing timelines
According to the draft procedure, connectivity grants will be issued within 60 days from the receipt of an application.
GNA approvals will be granted within 90 days. In cases where transmission system augmentation is required, the timeline may extend to 120 days.
Connectivity charges and compliance
A one-time connectivity charge of Rs 1 lakh per MW will apply to entities located in neighbouring countries that connect to the Indian Grid through dedicated transmission systems.
Entities granted connectivity and GNA will be required to comply with all applicable regulations and standards issued by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Ministry of Power, including grid codes, technical standards and payment obligations.
Regional power trade
The draft procedure forms part of India’s efforts to streamline cross-border electricity trade and facilitate greater regional energy cooperation through a structured framework for connectivity and transmission access.
CTU has invited comments, suggestions and objections from stakeholders and interested parties on the draft procedure. The last date for submitting comments is July 8, 2026.
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