The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) has issued a comprehensive advisory aimed at addressing technical mismatches in renewable energy (RE) projects related to connectivity approvals. The update comes in the wake of a December 2025 order from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), which relaxed rules around capacity enhancements for projects where installed equipment exceeds the capacity granted in connectivity approvals.
Key Provisions of the Advisory
The advisory allows developers to install additional equipment, such as inverters or wind turbines, to meet technical requirements at the Point of Injection (POI) without requiring extra Bank Guarantees (Conn-BGs). This additional capacity is intended solely to manage reactive power, internal transmission losses, and other technical compliance requirements. CTUIL has emphasized that while physical equipment capacity may be higher, the active power injected into the grid cannot exceed the originally granted connectivity.
Documentation and Compliance
Applicants must submit an undertaking (Annexure-A) detailing active power delivery, reactive power, and losses, supported by steady-state simulation results. Simulation studies must follow design temperatures prescribed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to ensure accurate performance modeling under different ambient conditions. Any additional capacity due to temperature-related requirements must be clearly documented in technical connection papers.
Streamlined Review Process
CTUIL has introduced measures to improve administrative efficiency. Developers are allowed three rounds of revisions for simulation reports. If issues remain unresolved after three attempts, the application is closed, and a fresh submission through the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal is required. Additionally, developers must submit Python automation files for batch processing of simulation cases, with dynamic simulation settings compatible with platforms such as PSSE and PSCAD.
Impact on Renewable Energy Development
The advisory reflects a shift toward a more flexible yet technically rigorous framework. By allowing additional equipment installation for technical compliance while maintaining strict limits on active power injection, CTUIL aims to simplify connectivity processes, reduce project delays, and support faster commissioning of RE projects. The measures are expected to enhance technical planning quality, strengthen regulatory compliance, and facilitate the continued expansion of India’s renewable energy sector.
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