| Work Detail |
FSGE Renewables Private Limited filed a petition before the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) seeking an extension of time for commissioning its evacuation infrastructure due to unforeseen and uncontrollable events. The petition and associated Interlocutory Applications were heard on multiple occasions, with the latest order dated 19 May 2025. The matter revolves around the delays faced by the petitioner in developing the necessary infrastructure to evacuate power from its renewable energy project. The petitioner submitted that certain critical documents had been omitted during the initial filing due to urgency and later sought the Commission’s permission to place these documents on record. These documents include those related to delays in obtaining approvals, issues around Right of Way (ROW), and the unavailability of circuit breakers due to global supply chain disruptions. The Commission allowed the inclusion of these additional documents, emphasizing their relevance to adjudicating the case and confirming that they do not expand the relief originally sought. FSGE argued that energy banking provisions under the Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Regulations, 2024, lacked clarity, leading to project planning delays. GUVNL’s interpretation of these provisions, which restricted energy banking to only 30% of total consumption, significantly affected project timelines. The petitioner supported this with judgments from APTEL and CERC and industry discussions highlighting how banking policies directly impact renewable energy growth. It was not until 31 August 2024 that clarity was provided by GUVNL after intervention from the Ministry of Power. Another major setback arose when the Ministry of Defence issued a notification on 5 June 2024, identifying certain areas as “No WTG Zone,” which disrupted land acquisition plans. The company had already acquired 50% of the required land by the time Stage-II connectivity was granted on 12 March 2024. However, the MOD’s notification caused confusion and delays in acquiring the remaining land. Full land details were eventually submitted to GETCO in September 2024. Further delays were caused by the late delivery of circuit breakers. Although a purchase order was placed in September 2024, the delivery was impacted by a surge in global demand. The petitioner explained that had the breakers arrived on time, the erection would have only taken two days, and the infrastructure could have been commissioned by the original deadline of 11 March 2025. ROW disputes added to the challenges. Government approvals under Sections 68 and 164 were obtained in December 2024, and efforts were made to obtain ROW permissions from local authorities. However, objections from private landowners and compensation disputes remain unresolved, stalling construction at several tower locations. The matter is under review by the District Collector. The Commission acknowledged that while the respondent, GETCO, had reservations about the timing of actions taken by FSGE, it did not object to the inclusion of additional documents and left the decision to the Commission. GERC noted the investments already made by the petitioner and the potential delays if the connectivity were revoked. The matter has now been reserved for a final order, with both parties granted ten days to submit written arguments. |
