In the matter of CERC (Procedure, Terms and Conditions for Grant of Transmission License and other related matters) Regulations to South Olpad Transmission Limited – EQ
Summary:
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đź“Ś **Case Overview**
* **Petitioner:** POWERGRID South Olpad Transmission Limited (erstwhile South Olpad Transmission Ltd.), a 100% subsidiary of PGCIL.
* **Respondents:** CTUIL, PFCCL, NTPC Renewable Energy, GSECL, NHPC, GIPCL, state DISCOMs, Adani Power, Torrent Power, Railways, and several others.
* **Subject:** Application under Sections 14 & 15 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for grant of inter-State transmission licence.
* **Order Date:** 13th August 2025
* **Coram:** Members Ramesh Babu V., Harish Dudani, Ravinder Singh Dhillon.
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⚡ **Transmission Project Details**
* **Name of Project:** *Transmission System for Evacuation of Power from Potential Renewable Energy Zone in Khavda, Gujarat (Phase-IV, 7 GW): Part B*
* **Developer:** POWERGRID South Olpad Transmission Ltd.
* **Scope:** Establishment of 765/400 kV GIS substation at South Olpad, new HVDC terminal, and associated transmission lines.
* **Major Elements:**
* 2Ă—1500 MVA, 765/400 kV ICTs with reactors, bays & spares.
* 2500 MW, ±500 kV HVDC (VSC) terminal station at South Olpad.
* 765 kV D/C lines: Vadodara–South Olpad & Ahmedabad–South Olpad.
* LILO of Gandhar–Hazira 400 kV D/C line.
* Multiple switchable line reactors at Vadodara, Ahmedabad & South Olpad.
* **COD:** 24 months from SPV transfer (expected 15.10.2026).
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đź’° **Bidding & Tariff**
* Competitive bidding conducted by **PFC Consulting Ltd. (PFCCL)** as Bid Process Coordinator.
* **PGCIL** emerged as successful bidder.
* **Discovered ATC:** â‚ą5566.86 million/year.
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⚖️ **Regulatory Process & Objections**
* CERC issued prima facie order on 24.05.2025, inviting objections.
* Public notices published in *The Hindu* & *Hindustan* on 30.05.2025.
* Objections were raised by **Ms. Alpa Patel & Mr. Prakash Patel** (landowners), alleging:
* Improper incorporation of SPV, lack of transparency in route maps.
* Non-disclosure of survey details, rushed approvals, inadequate notices.
* Procedural lapses in approval under Section 68 & 164 of the Act.
* **Petitioner’s Response:**
* Objections barred by *res judicata* as CERC had already examined bidding in earlier order (493/AT/2024).
* SPV was duly incorporated by PFCCL and acquired by PGCIL on 15.10.2024.
* Notices & disclosures complied with regulations.
* Objections relate to Section 68/164 approvals (under Ministry of Power), not within CERC jurisdiction.
* **CERC Findings:**
* Objections misplaced; issues of Section 68 & 164 approvals lie with Ministry of Power.
* Petitioner complied with Transmission Licence Regulations, 2024.
* CTUIL supported licence grant.
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âś… **Final Order**
* **Transmission Licence Granted** to POWERGRID South Olpad Transmission Ltd. for **25 years** (unless revoked earlier).
* **Conditions imposed:**
* Compliance with Transmission Licence Regulations, Grid Code, CEA standards.
* No trading business allowed.
* Licence fee to CERC as per rules.
* Non-discriminatory open access must be provided.
* EPC contracts must be awarded via competitive bidding.
* CTUIL/CEA to monitor execution & report lapses.
* Regular reporting & compliance with TSA & SCOD.
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