CERC Reviews Petition For Transmission License Of Bhadla-III & Bikaner-III Projects By PGCIL To Enhance RE Connectivity

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) recently addressed Petition No. 343/TL/2024 submitted by Bhadla-III & Bikaner-III Transmission Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. The petition sought a transmission license for the establishment of an interstate transmission system to enhance connectivity between Bhadla-III and Bikaner-III complexes. This project, which will operate on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis, includes specific elements such as high-capacity tie lines and related infrastructure.

The petitioner complied with the procedural requirements under the Electricity Act, 2003, and the CERC Transmission Licence Regulations, 2024. Key steps included public notifications, recommendations from the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL), and adherence to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power. Notably, the bid process overseen by PFC Consulting Limited culminated in the selection of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited as the transmission service provider based on the lowest quoted charges of ₹979.70 million annually. This competitive bidding process aligned with the Ministry of Power’s guidelines under Section 63 of the Act.

CTUIL endorsed the project, emphasizing its strategic importance for optimizing the transmission network beyond the Bikaner-III substation and enhancing power evacuation from renewable energy clusters. The infrastructure is expected to bolster system resilience and accommodate future growth in transmission demand. The bid evaluation committee confirmed that the process was conducted transparently and following established norms.

The petitioner provided a performance guarantee and completed requisite agreements, including a share purchase and transmission service agreement. The proposed project is designed to comply with technical standards, grid norms, and prudent utility practices, ensuring its robustness and alignment with international utility-grade standards.

Public objections or suggestions regarding the project are invited until December 12, 2024, following which the Commission will deliberate further. The petitioner has committed to adhering to the scheduled completion dates and addressing any time or cost overruns in compliance with regulatory provisions. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on December 16, 2024.

This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance India’s energy infrastructure, particularly the integration of renewable energy sources while maintaining transparency and fostering competition in project development.