The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has granted a 100% waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges to Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) for its 198 MW wind power project in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. The Commission also approved an extension of the project’s Scheduled Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) to February 4, 2026, citing delays in transmission infrastructure availability beyond the developer’s control.
The order was issued in Petition No. 169/MP/2026, filed by TPREL, which sought regulatory relief for its wind project developed through TP Vardhaman Surya Limited, a subsidiary established to undertake hybrid and wind power projects under the captive power route. The project was planned to supply electricity to Tata Steel Limited.
Transmission Delays Affected Project Commissioning
The project’s original SCOD was June 1, 2025. However, delays in the readiness and availability of the Common Transmission System (CTS), required for operationalising General Network Access (GNA), affected its commissioning schedule. Right-of-way (ROW) constraints also contributed to the delay.
Despite these challenges, TPREL continued project development and commissioned portions of the installed capacity during late 2025. The entire 198 MW project subsequently achieved commercial operation on February 4, 2026.
CERC Approves Revised SCOD and Transmission Waiver
TPREL approached the designated committee constituted under the CERC Sharing Regulations to seek an SCOD extension and waiver of ISTS charges. In its report dated March 11, 2026, the committee recommended February 4, 2026, as the revised SCOD for the entire project.
The committee found that the developer had made diligent efforts to complete the project and that the delay was primarily attributable to the non-availability of transmission infrastructure rather than any failure on the developer’s part.
After examining the petition, supporting submissions and committee recommendations, CERC determined that the project fulfilled the requirements for an SCOD extension under Regulation 13(2)(h) of the 2020 Sharing Regulations.
The Commission approved February 4, 2026, as the revised SCOD and ruled that the project would qualify for a 100% ISTS charge waiver, treating it as having achieved commercial operation on or before June 30, 2025.
Implications for Renewable Energy Integration
The decision provides regulatory relief to TPREL while recognising the impact of transmission infrastructure delays on renewable energy project commissioning. The waiver also supports the economics of the captive wind project supplying Tata Steel.
The ruling highlights the importance of timely transmission infrastructure development in enabling renewable energy projects to achieve commissioning milestones and integrate electricity into the grid.
Electrify your feed! Click here to join our Whatsapp group and to get the latest updates, expert insights, and innovations driving India’s energy storage revolution.
