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Sarjan Realities Pvt. Limited filed a petition before the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) seeking an extension of the timeline for constructing the evacuation infrastructure required for a 40 MW wind power project at the 220 kV Savarkundla substation. The company applied for Stage I and Stage II connectivity on 3rd and 5th May 2024, which was approved by GETCO on 29th June 2024. As per the regulations, the project developer was required to commission the evacuation system within 12 months, by 28th June 2025. However, the petitioner argued that it is unable to meet this deadline due to events beyond its control.
Initially, the connectivity granted was on a shared basis with the lead generator, M/s Green Prairie Energy II Pvt. Limited. The petitioner informed GETCO that the lead generator had not initiated any project activity or purchased land for the pooling substation. Consequently, Sarjan Realities requested GETCO to provide a separate space for constructing its evacuation line. GETCO agreed and allocated space at the 220 kV Savarkundla substation for setting up a 66 kV feeder bay on 26th November 2024.
The petitioner was required to commission the evacuation system within the original deadline and had submitted an undertaking to that effect. However, despite repeated requests, GETCO did not provide the project estimate for supervision charges in time. Without the final estimate, the petitioner could not seek the necessary statutory clearances under Sections 68 and 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Eventually, after a delay of five months, GETCO issued the final estimate required to proceed with the work.
Sarjan Realities argued that the delays were due to the lead generator’s inaction, GETCO’s delay in granting bay space, and the late issuance of the final project estimate. Because of these unforeseen events, the petitioner requested a 12-month extension from the original deadline, extending the timeline to 28th June 2026.
In addition, the petitioner filed an interlocutory application requesting interim relief to prevent GETCO from revoking its connectivity or encashing the bank guarantee. The petitioner argued that if such protection was not granted, it risked termination of the connectivity, which was set to expire on 28th June 2025. GETCO confirmed the expiration date and clarified that maintaining connectivity requires a valid bank guarantee, failing which cancellation and encashment would follow.
The Commission heard both parties and decided to admit the petition. In the interest of justice, it directed GETCO to maintain the status quo regarding connectivity until the next hearing date, though no stay was granted on the bank guarantee. GETCO was allowed four weeks to file its reply, with the petitioner given one week thereafter to file a rejoinder. The next date of hearing will be communicated separately.
