KERC proposes unified GNA framework for Karnataka power network
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has issued draft regulations proposing a unified “General Network Access” (GNA) framework for non-discriminatory open access to the State’s intra-State transmission system (InSTS) and distribution network.
The draft Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Intra-State Transmission and State Distribution System) Regulations, 2026 was notified on June 4, 2026, and published in the official gazette on June 11, 2026.
KERC has invited objections, suggestions, and comments from stakeholders within 30 days from the date of publication. The proposed regulations are scheduled to come into force from October 1, 2026.
Eligibility framework
The draft regulations define separate eligibility criteria for connectivity and GNA at both transmission and distribution levels.
At the transmission level, connectivity eligibility covers generating stations, including renewable energy (RE) projects with or without storage, with installed capacity of 5 MW and above. Captive generating plants, standalone Energy Storage Systems (ESS), and Renewable Power Park Developers are also eligible.
For GNA at the transmission level, eligible entities include distribution licensees, trading licensees, bulk consumers, captive consumers connected to the InSTS, and standalone ESS.
At the distribution level, consumers with contract demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or above will be eligible for GNA. The draft also allows aggregation of multiple connections located within the same electricity division for determining eligibility. No minimum threshold has been prescribed for captive consumers.
Fees and guarantees
The regulations specify separate application fees for RE and non-RE applicants at the transmission level.
Connectivity applications for RE projects, with or without ESS, will attract a fee of Rs 1 lakh, while non-RE applicants will pay Rs 3 lakh. For GNA applications, distribution licensees will pay Rs 1 lakh and other eligible entities Rs 0.5 lakh.
Applicants will also be required to furnish Connectivity Bank Guarantees structured into three components — Conn-BG1, Conn-BG2, and Conn-BG3. Conn-BG1 has been fixed at Rs 10 lakh for transmission-level access and Rs 5 lakh for distribution-level access.
Solar and non-solar access
The draft introduces separate treatment for solar-hour and non-solar-hour access.
Wind-based renewable energy generating stations (REGS) and ESS projects may apply for connectivity with non-solar-hour access. The minimum threshold for such access is 5 MW at transmission level, while projects below 5 MW may apply at distribution level.
Solar-based REGS and hybrid projects will be converted into solar-hour access entities after three months from the effective date of the regulations. This conversion will remain subject to availability of non-solar-hour capacity for other eligible entities.
Temporary access and SOAR platform
The draft regulations also provide for Temporary General Network Access (T-GNA), allowing entities to seek short-duration access ranging from one time block to 11 months.
Applications for T-GNA will be processed through a proposed State Open Access Registry (SOAR) platform. A non-refundable processing fee of Rs 5,000 per application has been proposed.
KERC has directed the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) to develop and maintain the SOAR platform.
Banking and standby provisions
The draft permits monthly banking of renewable energy until March 31, 2030. Banking charges have been proposed at 8% of the banked energy, payable in kind.
Any unutilized banked energy remaining at the end of a month cannot be carried forward. However, such energy may remain eligible for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
For open access consumers availing standby power arrangements from licensees, standby charges have been proposed at 125% of normal energy charges unless advance notice is provided one day in advance.
Relinquishment norms
Connectivity grantees will be permitted to relinquish access with 30 days’ notice.
For GNA grantees, a one-year notice period has been proposed along with relinquishment charges. The charges will vary depending on the duration of network usage.
Where usage exceeds five years for InSTS or two years for distribution systems, relinquishment charges will be limited to three months’ equivalent GNA charges. Additional charges will apply for shorter durations.
Repeal and implementation
The proposed regulations will repeal the KERC (Terms and Conditions for Open Access) Regulations, 2025 from the date of notification.
KERC has directed the State Transmission Utility (STU) and distribution licensees, acting as nodal agencies, to develop detailed operational procedures within 60 days from issuance of the final regulations.
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