The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has approved a uniform framework allowing renewable power developers additional time to meet key operational milestones under the General Network Access (GNA) Regulations. The decision was issued on August 14, 2026, in Petition No. 5/SM/2026.
Under the existing GNA framework, connectivity granted to renewable projects can be revoked if developers fail to meet deadlines related to land documents, Financial Closure (FC), or Commercial Operation Date (COD). CERC has now introduced a structured extension mechanism for projects that demonstrate genuine progress but are unable to meet the prescribed timelines.
The Commission exercised its Power to Relax under Regulation 41 and its authority to issue suo moto directions under Regulation 44. The framework was finalized after considering written comments from 42 stakeholders, including DISCOMs, renewable energy developers and the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL), followed by a public hearing on May 19, 2026.
Developers must meet specific eligibility conditions to obtain extensions. For land document and financial closure milestones, at least 20% of the required land must be supported by verified documents submitted at least 15 working days before the applicable deadline.
For COD extensions, projects using the Land or Land-BG route must demonstrate land compliance covering at least 75% of the required area. Projects following the LOA/PPA route must demonstrate at least 50% compliance. Developers must also provide executed contracts for major equipment supplies or EPC civil and electrical works.
The extensions will be subject to Milestone Extension Charges (MEC). Land-related extensions can be granted for up to three months, with charges increasing from ₹1,000 per MW per day in the first month to ₹1,200 per MW per day in the third month.
Financial closure extensions can run for up to six months. Charges begin at ₹1,000 per MW per day for the first three months and rise progressively to ₹1,300 per MW per day by the sixth month.
COD extensions can be granted for up to 12 months. Charges are ₹3,000 per MW per day for the first six months, increasing thereafter to ₹3,900 per MW per day and reaching ₹6,000 per MW per day during months ten to twelve.
MEC payments must be deposited 15 days in advance on a daily pro-rata basis.
The order also provides financial relief. Developers achieving full or partial COD within the permitted period can receive a 50% refund, without interest, on MEC paid for earlier land and financial closure extensions, subject to the specified conditions.
CERC has further directed that 100% of MEC collected for COD extensions and at least 50% of land and FC charges be used to reduce monthly inter-State transmission system charges, helping limit the impact of project delays on consumers and DISCOMs.
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