CERC Grants Transmission License to BBPTL for Rajasthan REZ Project

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has granted a transmission license to Bikaner B Power Transmission Ltd. (BBPTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID), for its renewable energy evacuation project in Rajasthan.

This decision comes after BBPTL filed a petition under Sections 14 and 15 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and CERC’s 2024 Transmission Licence Regulations, seeking a transmission license for the 'Transmission System for evacuation of power from Rajasthan REZ Phase IV (Part 3: 6 GW) [Bikaner Complex]: Part B' project.

The proposed transmission system includes the establishment of a 765/400 kV substation near Siwani, along with associated transmission lines and equipment. The project is critical for evacuating renewable energy generated in Bikaner, Rajasthan, a key hub for solar and wind power.

The license was awarded through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), conducted by REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) as the Bid Process Coordinator (BPC). BBPTL, backed by POWERGRID, emerged as the lowest bidder, meeting the requirements set under the Ministry of Power's competitive bidding guidelines.

The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) formally recommended the grant of the transmission license, citing its alignment with the Electricity Act, 2003 (Section 15[4]), and its importance in ensuring smooth power evacuation from Bikaner-IV. The project also adheres to national transmission planning frameworks.

CERC, after reviewing the necessary documentation and CTUIL’s recommendations, found no objections from stakeholders and noted that the project follows due regulatory processes.

BBPTL faced a 14-day delay in filing the petition due to procedural issues with the e-filing system. However, CERC condoned the delay, allowing the petition to move forward.

A public notice has been directed to be published inviting suggestions or objections regarding the license. Stakeholders have been given time until March 17, 2024, to submit their responses.

BBPTL has assured CERC of its strict adherence to the Transmission Service Agreement (TSA), covering aspects such as construction timelines, cost overruns, and quality standards. The company has committed to complying with all regulatory provisions, including those in the Electricity Act, bidding documents, and CERC guidelines.

The next hearing on the petition is scheduled for March 18, 2025, where final decisions on the transmission license and tariff adoption are expected.

This development marks a crucial step in enhancing renewable energy transmission infrastructure in Rajasthan, aligning with India’s broader renewable energy ambitions.