The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission Proposes Compensation-Based Framework For Extension Of General Network Access Milestone Timelines

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (“CERC”), vide order dated April 15, 2026, has proposed a procedure for levy of compensation charges to permit additional time for achieving key project milestones under the connectivity and General Network Access (“GNA”) framework (“Draft GNA Procedure”). A public hearing is proposed to be conducted, post the submission of comments, objections and suggestions from stakeholders on the Draft GNA Procedure, which were due by April 30, 2026.

The Draft GNA Procedure has been issued under the CERC (Connectivity and GNA to the inter-State Transmission System) Regulations, 2022 (“GNA Regulations”), which currently mandate strict timelines for submission of land documents, achievement of Financial Closure (“FC”), and declaration of Commercial Operation Date (“CoD”). Under the existing framework, failure to meet these milestones results in revocation of connectivity and encashment of bank guarantees, with limited relief available only through