CERC Revises GNA Rules to Optimise Renewable and Storage Integration

In a major step to upgrade India’s power infrastructure, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has unveiled amendments aimed at facilitating renewable energy integration and creating a robust market for electricity storage.

The CERC has updated the 2022 General Network Access (GNA) Regulations through the Third Amendment Regulations, 2025, issued after prior public notice. The move formally revises rules for interstate transmission system access. These Regulations, titled Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025 also introduces concepts like 'solar hours' and 'non-solar hours', aimed at managing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power while maintaining grid stability.

Under the new framework, the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) will declare solar hours weekly for each state, with all remaining times classified as non-solar hours. Solar power plants and hybrid projects will primarily operate during solar hours, while wind farms and energy storage systems can inject electricity during non-solar hours. Analysts say this approach allows 'time-sharing' of transmission lines, improving utilisation and preventing congestion.

The amendments also bring clarity for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped storage projects (PSP), enabling developers to define their maximum drawal for charging and maximum injection capacities. Additionally, a Lead Generator or Qualifying Consortium of Applicants (QCA) can now coordinate scheduling for clusters of generators sharing a connection point, reducing administrative complexity and streamlining operations.

CERC has tightened accountability to curb speculation. Promoters must maintain control of project companies from application through commissioning, with prior approval required for any change. Timelines for land documentation and financial closure have been made stricter, with penalties and capacity revocations for non-compliance. Developers retain limited flexibility to change renewable sources or project locations, subject to conditions and fees, while new clauses clearly define bank guarantee forfeitures and returns, giving investors greater certainty.

Smaller projects between 5 MW and 50 MW also benefit from simplified connectivity under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) system, while bulk consumers gain the flexibility to share allocated transmission capacity with parent or subsidiary companies.

These reforms are expected to encourage investment not just in generation but also in storage and scheduling technologies. With these changes, India is expected to build a smarter, greener, and more flexible grid capable of supporting its ambitious renewable energy and climate targets.