The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has notified the draft CERC (Connectivity and General Network Access to the inter-State Transmission System) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2026.
The draft introduces multiple changes to connectivity and general network access framework. As per the draft, energy storage system (ESS) projects must now maintain a minimum discharge capacity equivalent to two times the connectivity quantum in MWh terms. Developers may install renewable capacity solely for charging ESS without additional land or financial closure requirements. A new “non-solar hour access” provision has been introduced for renewable energy and storage projects for transmission access outside solar hours. The draft also allows developers to withdraw connectivity applications and recover bank guarantees if connectivity delays exceed two years. Additionally, it reduces source-change timelines and permits multi-location connectivity under a single power purchase agreement.