CERC Resets COD, Quashes Bills in Powerica-JKTL Dispute

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has delivered a key ruling in the dispute between Powerica Ltd. and Central Transmission Utility of lndia Ltd. (CTUIL) and Jam Khambaliya Transco Ltd (JKTL).

The case, centered on Powerica’s 50.6 MW wind project in Gujarat, revolved around transmission charges and a compensation claim related to a grid outage. CERC invalidated JKTL’s declared Commercial Operation Date (COD) of April 12, 2022, due to pending regulatory approvals from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which were granted only on April 19, 2022. The Commission reset the COD to April 27, 2022, making transmission charges applicable from this revised date.

Powerica’s liability for transmission charges will now be calculated proportionately, based on its 50.6 MW share of JKTL’s 1,500 MW system. CERC has directed CTUIL to issue revised bills within 30 days, with Powerica required to settle dues within 45 days. This includes recalculating bills for the period from April 27 to June 2, 2022, based on Powerica’s full share of 50.6 MW, and for the period from June 3 to August 18, 2022, based on the reduced share of 26.3 MW.

In a setback for Powerica, the Commission dismissed its INR 1.48 crore compensation claim for losses during a 15-day grid outage in May 2022. The shutdown, which followed protocols set by the Western Regional Power Committee (WRPC), occurred while Powerica failed to formally notify the grid operators of its readiness to resume operations.

This ruling highlights the importance of aligning renewable energy projects with grid infrastructure and ensures an equitable distribution of transmission costs. The revised invoices must be issued within a month, and Powerica is expected to clear the dues promptly thereafter.