CERC amends Indian Electricity Grid Code, tightening regulations for renewable and storage projects

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has released the CERC (Indian Electricity Grid Code) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024, introducing several critical changes aimed at improving grid efficiency and flexibility. 

Key amendments include reducing the permissible period for renewable energy and energy storage systems to inject infirm power from one year to 45 days. Extensions of up to three months can be requested from regional load despatch centres, with additional extensions requiring CERC approval.

For hydropower stations, commercial operation can now be declared even with low water levels, provided they demonstrate operational capabilities. A full performance test will be required when water conditions improve. Generating station scheduling will commence two days post-commercial operation date (COD) declaration to ensure a seamless start to commercial operations.

Thermal plants operating below full capacity will be compensated per their contracts, with default terms reverting to the 2010 grid code if unspecified. New operational limits mandate minimum generation during off-peak hours while maintaining flexibility for peak times. Capacity revisions are restricted to four times daily for most stations and six for lignite, gas, and hydro plants, with monthly caps at 60 and 120, respectively.