ISTS Network: CERC Allows DMRC To Transition From GNA to GNA(RE) 

ISTS Project: CERC Allows DMRC To Transition From GNA to GNA(RE) 

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), in its latest suo motto order, allowed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRC) to transition from General Network Access (GNA) to GNA-Renewable Energy (RE). It was allowed under the CERC (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) Regulations 2022. 

The order came to the fore when Grid India approached the CERC, requesting the intervention of the Commission in removing some difficulties in implementing the GNA Regulations. It was the fourth such order from the CERC in the matter. One of the issues taken for discussion in the order was related to the GNA (RE) for the existing entity drawing power exclusively from renewable energy sources. 

The order details said that DMRC avails power through Open Access from the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMS) project using the ISTS network. DMRC, for the utilization of 99 MW of solar power from this unit, also received NOC for Long Term Open Access for five years.

“We are of the considered view that entities such as DMRC or any other entity, which are under transition and which qualify to have GNARE under the GNA Regulations i.e. it was drawing power through ISTS exclusively from the identified renewable sources, shall have the option of converting its deemed GNA to GNARE, as a one-time dispensation considering transition, with submission of adequate proof to CTUIL to establish its eligibility for such GNARE and with the No Objection Certificate from SLDC of the host State, to ensure adequate capacity is available in STU system to wheel such quantum of power,” the order said. 

It also added, “CTUIL, after verifying the proofs of contracts and other drawal details for such an entity, shall convert the deemed GNA allotted to such entity to GNARE. Any such consideration for GNARE is subject to the condition that an entity having GNARE cannot have T-GNA or GNA as per the GNA Regulations. We observe that in the case of DMRC, no objection certificate is already available to wheel power from 6 AM to 6 PM. However, under GNARE it shall be allowed to schedule power from any RE source as per provisions of the GNA Regulations and the 2020 Sharing Regulations.”

CERC earlier notified the CERC (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) Regulations 2022 on June 7, 2022. It brought the first amendment to the GNA Regulations in April 2023. 

The provisions of the GNA Regulations were made effective from 05.04.2023, barring a few provisions. The remaining provisions of the GNA Regulations have been notified to come into effect from 01.10.2023.