APPLICATION UNDER REGULATION 4.1, 4.2, 5.6, and 5.7 FOR CONNECTIVITY TO ISTS
What is Approval of APPLICATION UNDER REGULATION 4.1, 4.2, 5.6, and 5.7 FOR CONNECTIVITY TO ISTS
The approval of an application under Regulations 4.1, 4.2, 5.6, and 5.7 for connectivity to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) refers to a formal process regulated by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) in India. This process is essential for entities such as generating companies, state utilities, or large consumers that wish to connect to the ISTS — a high-voltage transmission network enabling the transfer of electricity across state boundaries. Regulations 4.1 and 4.2 specify the eligibility criteria and the application procedure for connectivity, outlining who can apply and what documentation is required. Meanwhile, Regulations 5.6 and 5.7 deal with the conditions under which connectivity is granted, the timelines for processing applications, and the coordination required with the Central Transmission Utility (CTU), which is typically Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL). The objective of this approval is to ensure that any new connection to the inter-state grid is technically feasible, maintains grid stability, and complies with regulatory standards.
This approval is required by following entities who wants to obtain connectivity to the Inter-State Transmission System in India: –
(a) Generating station(s), including REGS(s), with or without ESS, with an installed capacity of 50 MW and above individually or with an aggregate installed capacity of 50 MW and above through a Lead Generator or a Lead ESS;
(b) Captive generating plant with capacity for injection to ISTS of 50 MW and above;
(c) Standalone ESS with an installed capacity of 50 MW and above
(d) Renewable Power Park Developer;
(e) REGS or standalone ESS with an installed capacity of 5 MW and above applying for grant of Connectivity to ISTS through the electrical system of a generating station already having Connectivity to ISTS: Provided that such an entity applying for grant of Connectivity to ISTS has an agreement with the said generating station to share its electrical system and dedicated transmission lines, if any.
Further, above entities having Connectivity shall be eligible, on payment of application fees, to apply for enhancement of connectivity of less than 50 MW subject to available capacity in transmission system.
Who Can Apply for This Certificate?
- Generating Stations – Thermal, hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, or any other type of power plant (including merchant power plants) intending to inject power into ISTS.
- Captive Generating Plants (CGPs) – Plants set up by industries for their own use, seeking to inject or draw power from ISTS.
- Renewable Energy Developers – Developers setting up renewable energy projects (solar parks, wind farms, hybrid RE projects) to supply power to other states.
- State Transmission Utilities (STUs) – If they intend to connect new state-level infrastructure or facilitate power flow between states.
- Distribution Licensees (DISCOMs) – For drawing power from ISTS to meet their consumer demand.
- Bulk Consumers – Large industries or commercial users who want to directly draw power from the ISTS.
- Trading Licensees – If involved in cross-border or inter-state power trading arrangements that require ISTS access.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Developers – Large-scale charging station operators requiring grid connectivity through ISTS.
Documents Required for This Application
- Notarised Affidavit as per FORMAT-AFFIDAVIT Mandatory
- Board Resolution authorizing a designated person for filing of application, where applicant is a company Mandatory
- Certificate issued by the CEA regarding CEA registry Mandatory
- Reason: CEA vide its order dated 09.11.2020 (Ref. No.: CEA-PL-15-13(11)/1/2020-PSLF) has directed that all power generating units of the country having installed capacity of 0.5 MW or above are required to register themselves on CEA e-GEN portal, http://egen.cea.gov.in. Further, in the advisory provided on CTU website with regard to GNA, it is mentioned that Unique Registration Number (URN need to be entered in the connectivity application form.
- Site(s) identification Mandatory
- Authorization by the Central Government or State Government as Renewable Power Park Developer Applicable for Renewable Power Park developer
- Agreement for sharing the dedicated transmission lines and terminal bay(s) in case of the Lead Generator or Lead ESS as per FORMAT-CONN-LEAD as applicable
- In case of the Applicant covered under Regulation 5.6, Agreement between the applicant and the Connectivity grantee or the generating station having Connectivity to ISTS, for sharing the terminal bay(s) or the switchyard, as the case may be, and the dedicated transmission lines as per FORMAT-CONN-SHARE as applicable
- In case of Applicant covered under Regulation 5.7, Agreement between the Applicant(s) for sharing the terminal bay and the dedicated transmission lines as per FORMAT-CONN-SHARE as applicable
- In case of Applicant covered under Regulation 4.3, copy of the application already made to STU or intimation issued by STU for the quantum of Connectivity to the Intra-State system
- Reason: As per approved Detailed Procedure’s clause 5.iv. as applicable
Act and Rules
Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023
The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019
Role of Shamkris and Process of APPLICATION UNDER REGULATION 4.1, 4.2, 5.6, and 5.7 FOR CONNECTIVITY TO ISTS
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to ensuring compliance with the mandatory requirements for obtaining the Application. With a simple and guided methodology, Shamkris helps organizations achieve the necessary application in a timely and cost-effective manner. Shamkris offers 100% support in advisory, guidance, and compliance, ensuring smooth processing for obtaining the application.
The Application acquisition process described below:
Advisory for the document required
Preparation of documents as per application & list of documents.
Certificate File
Inspection by the department if required
Certificate department
Certificate issued
Yearly Compliance if Applicable
Renewal when due
Who can issue the APPLICATION UNDER REGULATION 4.1, 4.2, 5.6, and 5.7 FOR CONNECTIVITY TO ISTS
FAQ
ISTS (Inter-State Transmission System) connectivity refers to the permission granted to an entity to physically connect to the high-voltage electricity grid that enables power transmission across Indian states.
Entities such as power generating stations (thermal, solar, wind, hydro, etc.), captive power plants, distribution companies (DISCOMs), State Transmission Utilities (STUs), bulk consumers, and power trading licensees must apply if they wish to connect to or enhance their connection to ISTS.
This approval is mandated under the CERC (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) Regulations, 2022, specifically under Regulations 4.1, 4.2, 5.6, and 5.7.
The application must be submitted using the form titled: “Application for Connectivity to ISTS under Regulations 4.1, 4.2, 5.6, and 5.7.”
The Central Transmission Utility (CTU), which is typically Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL), is the nodal agency responsible for processing and granting ISTS connectivity approvals.
- The application usually requires
- Detailed project report or feasibility study
- Single-line diagram (SLD) of the electrical system
- Company registration documents
- Power purchase agreements (if applicable)
- Proof of land possession or project site
Yes, generally a minimum of 50 MW capacity is required, but smaller capacities may be allowed in special cases such as for renewable energy projects or aggregated requests.
The CTU usually processes the application within 60 to 90 days, depending on the completeness of documents and feasibility assessments.
Yes, entities can apply for enhancement of the quantum of already granted connectivity using the same application form and regulatory provisions.
Applications are submitted online or physically to the CTU (PGCIL), as per the guidelines issued on their official portal or through the CERC connectivity application system.