Can BESS be added to operational solar projects? UPERC examines
Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has admitted a petition filed by Fourth Partner Energy Private Limited and two affiliated companies seeking regulatory clarifications on the installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) behind the meter at already commissioned renewable energy generating stations (REGS).
The petition, heard on May 14, 2026, highlights regulatory gaps related to retrofitting energy storage into operational solar projects. According to the petitioners, existing regulations and connectivity procedures address storage integration only at the project development stage and do not provide a framework for adding BESS to an already connected and commissioned REGS.
One of the key issues raised relates to connectivity procedures. The petitioners stated that the 2025 Connectivity Procedure provides for technical assessment only at the initial connectivity application stage and does not contemplate later integration of BESS with an operational REGS.
The petition also raised concerns regarding open access and scheduling. While Long-Term Open Access (LTOA) approvals and Bulk Power Transmission and Wheeling Agreements permit 24-hour injection, forecasting procedures define available capacity for solar projects only for specified hours. The petitioners argued that there is no regulatory clarity on capacity treatment after installation of BESS.
Another issue concerns certification requirements from the Chief Electrical Inspector to Government (CEIG). The petitioners stated that it remains unclear whether installation of BESS, considered a modification or extension of an existing REGS without any increase in installed generation capacity or approved connectivity quantum, would require a fresh CEIG certificate.
The petitioners confirmed that the proposed BESS installation is behind the meter and does not seek any increase in project capacity or connectivity quantum.
UPERC directed Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited (UPPTL), and Uttar Pradesh State Load Despatch Centre (UPSLDC) to file their replies within four weeks. The petitioners have been granted two additional weeks to file a rejoinder.
The matter has been listed for the next hearing on July 14, 2026.
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