Imandra Solar Private Limited filed Petition No. 2462 of 2025 before the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC), seeking an extension of 120 days to complete the construction and commissioning of the evacuation infrastructure for its 30 MW wind-solar hybrid power project at Jafrabad, Amreli, Gujarat. The petitioner also requested that the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) be directed not to revoke its connectivity or encash its bank guarantees until the work is completed.
The project was to be completed within 12 months of receiving Stage-II connectivity approval from GETCO, dated 12 March 2024. Hence, the commissioning deadline was 11 March 2025. However, Imandra Solar cited several unforeseen and uncontrollable events that caused delays. These included delays in obtaining banking regulation clarity under the Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Rules, delivery delays of crucial equipment like circuit breakers and transformers due to global supply chain disruptions, and right-of-way (ROW) issues with local landowners and farmers. Additional procedural delays included late approvals under Sections 68 and 164 of the Electricity Act and material drawing revisions.
GETCO, in its response, argued that the petitioner was aware of the project timelines and requirements and that delays in procurement and land acquisition were foreseeable risks, not force majeure. It further stated that the bank guarantees could be encashed if the project commissioning was not completed in time. GETCO maintained that any extension had to be granted strictly by the Commission as per the Hybrid Tariff Order and not by GETCO.
The Commission noted that many of the petitioner’s claims, such as the banking regulation confusion and supply chain issues, were legitimate and had been documented with follow-ups to government authorities. The Commission also observed that significant progress had been made, including completion of over 98% of the transmission line and partial work on the generator PSS and bay infrastructure.
Imandra Solar agreed to bear long-term transmission charges for 10% of the project capacity until commissioning and emphasized its intent to fulfill obligations. After hearing both parties, the Commission recognized the merit in the petitioner’s request and the industry-wide impact of the challenges cited. A decision on the extension and related reliefs will be based on the final findings in the order.
