CTU Issues Detailed Procedure for Grant of Connectivity and GNA to Strengthen Grid Access Framework

The Central Transmission Utility of India (CTU) has released a comprehensive Detailed Procedure for Grant of Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA), laying out a structured, step-by-step framework for entities seeking access to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) under the CERC (Connectivity and GNA to ISTS) Regulations, 2022.

The move comes as India’s power sector undergoes rapid transformation, driven by large-scale renewable energy additions and increasing demand for efficient grid access.

The procedure is designed to streamline the entire lifecycle of grid connectivity, from application submission to final approval and operational monitoring. It seeks to bring greater transparency, reduce procedural delays, and ensure uniformity in how connectivity and access requests are handled across the country.

Under the revised framework, all applicants, including power generators, renewable energy developers, and bulk consumers, are required to submit their applications through a designated online portal. The application must include detailed technical specifications, project configurations, financial details, and mandatory documents such as affidavits and undertakings. CTU has made it clear that incomplete or inaccurate submissions will not be entertained and may either be rejected outright or returned for rectification, potentially delaying project timelines.

A key feature of the procedure is the rigorous technical evaluation carried out by CTU. Each application is scrutinized for parameters such as generation capacity, evacuation arrangements, grid compatibility, electrical design, protection systems, SCADA integration, and metering infrastructure. CTU retains the authority to seek clarifications or request modifications to ensure system reliability and compliance with grid standards before granting approval.

The procedure also emphasises that connectivity is not deemed effective until a formal Connectivity Agreement is executed between the applicant and CTU. This agreement is a mandatory prerequisite for any physical connection to the ISTS network, reinforcing regulatory discipline and contractual clarity in grid access.

To ensure accountability, CTU has introduced a robust monitoring and compliance mechanism. Approved projects will be required to submit periodic progress reports detailing the development of transmission infrastructure, including substations and associated transmission systems. The framework warns of strict action in cases of misreporting, non-compliance, or undue delays, including the possibility of cancellation of granted connectivity or GNA rights.

In addition, the document outlines minimum technical standards for connectivity, specifying capacity thresholds for different voltage levels to maintain grid stability and operational efficiency. Higher voltage systems such as 400 kV and 765 kV are assigned significantly larger capacity benchmarks, reflecting their role in bulk power transfer across regions.

The procedure also incorporates provisions for relinquishment, allowing applicants to surrender connectivity or GNA rights with prior notice. It further enables a smooth transition from the earlier Long-Term Access (LTA) regime to the GNA framework, ensuring continuity and efficient reallocation of transmission capacity.

Overall, the new procedure is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s transmission ecosystem by enabling faster, more transparent, and technically robust grid access. It aligns with the country’s broader objective of accelerating renewable energy integration while ensuring optimal utilization of transmission infrastructure.