Petition for determination of the tariff for “Transmission System for Kurnool Wind Energy Zone/Solar Energy Zone(AP)” in the Southern Region of the CERC (Conduct of Business) Regulations and (Terms and Conditions of Tariff) Regulations – EQ

Summary:

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### **1. Nature of the Petition**
– **Petitioner:** Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL)
– **Respondents:** Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) and Others
– **Subject:** Determination of **transmission tariff** for the **2024–29 tariff period** for the project:
– **Establishment of 765/400/220 kV Substation at Kurnool-III**
– **Extension of 765 kV Kurnool (New) Substation**
– **765 kV Kurnool III–Kurnool (New) D/C Line**
– **Project Context:** Part of **”Transmission System for Kurnool Wind/Solar Energy Zone (AP) – Part A & B”** in the Southern Region.
– **Legal Basis:** Filed under **Section 62** read with **Section 79(1)(d)** of the Electricity Act, 2003, and relevant CERC regulations.

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### **2. Hearing Proceedings**
– **Bench:** Same four-member commission as previous petitions.
– **Representation:**
– **PGCIL:** Large team led by Ms. Supriya Singh, Shri Zafrul Hasan, and others.
– **Respondent TNPDCL:** Represented by Advocate Shri S. Vallinayagam.

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### **3. Key Submissions & Requests**
– **PGCIL’s Position:** Filed petition for tariff determination for 2024–29. **Requested interim tariff** pending final disposal.
– **TNPDCL’s Position:** Sought time to review and reply to **CTUIL’s affidavit dated January 9, 2026**. **Opposed PGCIL’s request for interim tariff**.

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### **4. Commission’s Directions**

#### **A. To Respondents (including TNPDCL):**
– File replies (if not already filed) **within two weeks**, with advance copy to PGCIL.
– PGCIL may file a rejoinder **within one week** thereafter.

#### **B. To CTUIL (Critical & Detailed Queries):**
CTUIL must file an affidavit **within two weeks** addressing the following **eight specific issues**:

1. **Capacity Utilization vs. Granted Connectivity:**
– CTUIL granted **4300 MW connectivity** (phased from 2025–2028).
– PGCIL commissioned **4500 MVA ICTs at Kurnool** and **3000 MVA ICTs** on April 27, 2025.
– **Question:** What **corrective action** has CTUIL taken under **Regulation 11.3 of GNA Regulations** regarding this mismatch?

2. **Validity of Deemed COD:**
– Under IEGC Regulations, deemed COD is allowed only for delays by a **specific generator** or **upstream/downstream transmission**.
– **Question:** Without a specific generator delay, **what was the basis for CTUIL certifying deemed COD** for these assets?

3. **Status of Anantpuram PS – Kurnool-III PS Line:** Current implementation status.

4. **Utilization of 220 kV Bays:**
– Only **9 out of multiple 220 kV line bays** are allocated to Renewable Energy (RE) generators.
– **Question:** What **corrective action** per **GNA Regulation 11.3** has been taken for the remaining bays?

5. **Tariff Liability for Terminal Bays:**
– CTUIL states generators must pay **Yearly Transmission Charges (YTC)** for terminal bays from connectivity start date until generator COD.
– **Question:** Are terminal bays at Kurnool-III part of **Common Transmission System (CTS)** or **Generator-Specific (ATS)**? Provide basis for bifurcation per **Sharing Regulations 2020**.

6. **Transmission Charges Methodology:**
– **Question:** Explain the **methodology** for arriving at **₹3,000/MW/month** charges. Is this uniform across all CTS schemes?

7. **Evacuation Capability Without Key Line:**
– **Question:** Can the **intended quantum** of power be evacuated **without the 765 kV Kurnool-III – Maheshwaram line** without causing **congestion or curtailment**?

8. **Delay Attribution:**
– **Question:** Is the delay/mismatch between **transmission asset COD** and **RE generator COD** due to **generators** or **transmission planning/implementation**? Provide supporting documents.

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### **5. Next Steps & Timeline**
– **Next Hearing Date:** **March 19, 2026**
– **Immediate Deadlines:**
– **CTUIL’s affidavit:** Due within **two weeks**.
– **Respondents’ replies:** Due within **two weeks**.
– **PGCIL’s rejoinder:** Due within **one week** after replies.
– **Interim Tariff:** **Not granted**. PGCIL’s request was opposed and not approved at this stage.

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