RERC Issues Draft Procedure for Grid Connectivity For ISTS Network

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has released a draft procedure for granting connectivity to the intra-state transmission system (InSTS), marking a key regulatory step toward standardizing and streamlining access to the state’s transmission network. Issued under Regulation 17 of the Rajasthan Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2024, the draft document is intended to guide various power producers, transmission licensees, and bulk consumers on the procedural requirements for connecting to the grid at voltage levels of 33 kV and above.

Though not an official “order,” the draft carries regulatory weight and outlines a wide-ranging applicability. It covers applications from state-owned and central sector generating companies, independent power producers, captive generation units, energy storage systems including pumped hydro and BESS, as well as renewable energy projects such as wind-solar hybrids and green hydrogen facilities. It also applies to inter- and intra-state transmission licensees, distribution licensees (other than Rajasthan DISCOMs), and open access consumers. Entities already connected to the InSTS prior to this draft being issued are generally deemed to have connectivity, although new applications will be required for augmentation, voltage-level changes, or any modification of the existing connection.

Technical, Financial and Regulatory Compliance

The procedure outlines several technical, commercial, and regulatory prerequisites for obtaining connectivity. Applicants must adhere to power injection limits specified as per the RERC (Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations, 2020. These limits vary by voltage level and the type of conductor used, such as ACSR Racoon, Dog, Panther, Zebra, Moose, AL-59, and HTLS. A non-refundable connectivity charge of ₹2.5 lakh per MW—or the actual cost of bay infrastructure, whichever is higher—is also mandated, unless revised by the Commission.

The document also lays out requirements for executing a connection agreement, such as the one provided in Annexure-6 for renewable energy projects. Such agreements must conform to prevailing state policies and all applicable RERC regulations. Technical standards related to metering, protection systems, and grid integration must comply with the CEA (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid), 2007, and the new Rajasthan Electricity Grid Code, 2024. Further, the procedure mandates that Availability Based Tariff (ABT) compliant metering systems be installed and tested jointly before physical interconnection with the grid is permitted.

Charges, Open Access and Dispute Resolution

The draft also stipulates that applicants must pay for reactive energy usage and bear all transmission-related charges, including open access and losses, as determined periodically by RERC. Importantly, mere grant of connectivity does not automatically entitle the applicant to schedule or inject power into the grid. Such operations can only proceed after securing open access rights under the RERC (Terms and Conditions of Open Access) Regulations, 2016.

Disputes or differences arising under the procedure are to be resolved in line with the Electricity Act, 2003, with the RERC designated as the adjudicating authority. The draft underscores that in case of any inconsistency between the procedure and existing RERC regulations, the latter will prevail. It further warns that failure to comply with any provision under the RERC, CERC, or CEA framework may result in disconnection, following a 15-day notice to rectify the default.

The Commission has invited stakeholder feedback on the draft, which will be considered before the procedure is finalized and implemented.