HPERC proposes draft Himachal Pradesh Electricity Grid Code, 2025

The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission issued a draft notification on 24 December 2025 proposing the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Himachal Pradesh Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2025 to replace the 2008 State Grid Code. The draft sets a comprehensive framework for planning, connection, operation, scheduling, and compliance of the intra state transmission system. Stakeholders can submit objections and suggestions within thirty days from its publication in the state gazette.

Applicability and jurisdiction

The proposed framework applies across Himachal Pradesh to all Users connected to or using the intra state transmission system, including the State Load Despatch Centre, the State Transmission Utility, transmission licensees, generating companies, distribution licensees, bulk consumers, and energy storage projects connected at 11 kV and above.

For interstate electricity flows, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission’s Indian Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2023 apply, while the HPERC Grid Code governs intra state flows without affecting obligations under central law.

Institutional and governance structure

The State Transmission Utility is responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Code. A Grid Code Review Committee will oversee periodic review and propose amendments. The STU will propose the constitution of an Operation and Coordination Committee and a Protection Coordination Committee, both subject to Commission approval.

The Review Committee must meet at least once a year, with revisions requiring majority approval. In case of a tie, matters will be referred to the Commission.

Technical framework and planning

The Code is structured into multiple technical codes. The Resource Adequacy and System Planning Code mandates integrated planning of demand, generation, and transmission, with the STU required to prepare a ten year rolling perspective transmission plan. The Connection Code defines grid connectivity standards, safety and cyber security compliance, and mandates high reliability communication systems with at least 99.9 % annual availability.

Commissioning and commercial operation

The draft specifies procedures for commissioning, startup power drawal, and infirm power injection. Infirm power injection for most renewable and storage projects cannot exceed 45 days from first energization.

Trial run requirements vary by technology. For example, a hydro unit must demonstrate twelve hours of operation at Maximum Continuous Rating before declaration of Commercial Operation Date.

System operation and security

The Operating Code defines the supervisory role of the SLDC, classifies system operating states into Normal, Alert, Emergency, Extreme Emergency, and Restorative, and prescribes actions for each.

It specifies fault clearance times for different voltages, such as 100 milliseconds for 400 kV lines, and sets Under Frequency Relay activation beginning at 49.40 Hz.

For frequency control and reserves, the Code aligns with Central Electricity Regulatory Commission Ancillary Services Regulations, 2022 until separate state level provisions are notified.

Scheduling, despatch, and curtailment

Scheduling requires day ahead declarations, including submission of ex bus declared capacity by 5 AM on the previous day. The SLDC is responsible for scheduling and may curtail transactions during constraints, prioritizing curtailment in the order of short term, then medium term, and finally long term access.

Renewable Energy Generating Stations may appoint a Qualified Coordinating Agency to handle scheduling and deviation settlement.

Cyber security, monitoring, and compliance

Entities must maintain cyber security frameworks consistent with Central Electricity Authority guidelines and undertake audits. The SLDC will monitor compliance and report persistent non compliance to the Commission.

The draft revokes the 2008 Grid Code while preserving actions already taken under it and empowers the Commission to relax provisions or remove implementation difficulties.

The featured photograph is for representation only.