The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has approved amendments to Clause 10 of the Procedure for Grant of Connectivity and Green Energy Open Access, establishing a formal framework for extending tentative completion timelines for dedicated evacuation systems. The order addresses difficulties faced by renewable energy generators and project developers in completing evacuation infrastructure within the originally prescribed deadlines.
Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL) filed the petition seeking regulatory changes after several renewable energy developers encountered delays due to Right of Way (RoW) constraints, supply chain disruptions and land acquisition challenges. These issues affected the timely construction of dedicated evacuation systems required to connect renewable energy projects to the electricity grid.
Before the amendment, the existing procedure did not provide a structured mechanism for considering requests to extend construction deadlines. As a result, HVPNL had to examine such applications on a case-by-case basis without clearly defined regulatory provisions. This created uncertainty for developers and exposed the transmission utility to financial risks and potential legal liabilities under power purchase agreements.
During the proceedings, several renewable energy developers and other stakeholders filed interlocutory applications seeking to participate in the case. They highlighted that delays in receiving extension approvals were affecting solar parks that were either fully or partially completed. The pending decisions prevented some projects from executing connectivity agreements, obtaining meter numbers and proceeding with green energy open access arrangements.
Stakeholders also suggested measures to simplify the extension process, including single-point applications, alternative forms of financial security and recognition of force majeure circumstances.
After conducting a public hearing and considering submissions from HVPNL and the participating developers, HERC approved amendments introducing specific requirements for extension applications.
Under the revised provisions, applicants seeking additional time must submit a formal application to the Chief Engineer (SO & Commercial) of HVPNL. The application must specify the requested extension period, explain the reasons for the delay, outline the steps planned to complete the work and provide details of the current progress of the evacuation system.
Applicants must also extend the validity of their Connectivity Bank Guarantees and pay a non-refundable monthly extension fee. The fee will be calculated at 10% of the total application fee, subject to a maximum limit of twice the original application fee.
The Commission has established timelines to ensure timely processing of requests. The Chief Engineer must complete the application processing within seven working days, while the approval or rejection decision must be communicated within 30 working days. If the utility fails to issue a decision within the prescribed period, the extension request will be deemed approved.
HERC clarified that the amended provisions will apply to all extension requests pending on the date of the order. However, each application will be assessed individually based on the project’s progress, circumstances and merits.
With this decision, the Commission has introduced a defined regulatory process intended to improve transparency, reduce uncertainty and facilitate the timely completion of renewable energy evacuation infrastructure in Haryana. The petition and associated interlocutory applications were subsequently disposed of by the Commission.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
