CERC Grants Transmission License For Bikaner-III Neemrana Transmission Project

GERC Imposes Additional Surcharge Of Re 1/Kwh For Open Access Consumers

The Petitioner, Bikaner III Neemrana Transmission Limited (BNTL) has filed the present Petition for the grant of a transmission licence under Sections 14 and 15 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) read with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Procedure, Terms and Conditions for grant of Transmission Licence and other related matters) Regulations, 2009 (hereinafter referred to as “Transmission Licence Regulations”) to establish the “Transmission system for evacuation of power from Rajasthan REZ Ph-IV (Part-1) (Bikaner Complex): PART-A” on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis.

The project referred to as “Transmission system for evacuation of power from Rajasthan REZ Ph-IV (Part-1) (Bikaner Complex): PART-A,” is intended to be operated on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis.

During a recent hearing, BNTL’s representative stated that all necessary procedures under the Transmission License Regulations had been followed, including serving copies of the petition to the relevant authorities and inviting suggestions/objections on its application. Despite this, no objections were received.

Additionally, it was also mentioned that Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) acquired BNTL on 29.11.2023 after being declared the successful bidder in a tariff-based competitive bidding process.

The bidding process for the project was initiated by PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL) as the Bid Process Coordinator (BPC) under the Ministry of Power’s guidelines. After evaluating bids from various companies, PGCIL emerged as the successful bidder with the lowest quoted transmission charges.

The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) submitted recommendations for granting the transmission license to BNTL. However, no response was received from other respondents.

BNTL fulfilled various obligations, including providing a Contract Performance Guarantee and executing agreements with relevant authorities. The company also applied for the transmission license as required.

Despite a minor delay in applying due to procedural issues, BNTL requested the condonation of the delay, which was accepted by the Commission.

Considering the evidence presented, the Commission is inclined to grant the transmission license to BNTL for the specified project. A public notice has been issued inviting suggestions or objections, if any, to be filed before a specified date.

It was found that the Petitioner has served a copy of the application on the Central Transmission of Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) as required under Section 15(3) of the Act and Regulation 7(6) of the Transmission Licence Regulations. CTUIL, vide its letter dated 23.1.2024, has recommended the grant of a transmission license to the Petitioner.

The CERC also found, that the Petitioner satisfies the conditions for the grant of an inter-State transmission licence under Section 15 of the Act read with the Transmission Licence Regulations for the transmission system.