en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has released the draft "Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (Intra-State Transmission and Distribution System Interconnection and General Network Access) Regulations, 2026," establishing an interconnection and General Network Access (GNA) framework for intra-state transmission and distribution networks, with specific provisions for renewable energy projects, hybrid stations, and energy storage systems.
The draft aims to provide a non-discriminatory access mechanism for generators, consumers, and licensees using intra-state transmission and distribution infrastructure. Under the draft, Renewable Energy Generating Stations (REGS), Renewable Hybrid Generating Stations (RHGS), renewable energy park developers, and standalone energy storage systems are included in the intra-state interconnection framework. Stakeholders may submit comments and suggestions within 30 days of the draft notification.
Regarding interconnection norms, the draft stipulates that renewable energy projects (including solar, wind, and hybrid stations) and energy storage systems with a capacity of 5 MW or more are eligible to apply for interconnection at the intra-state transmission level; projects below 5 MW can qualify for interconnection through the distribution network. The draft introduces the concepts of "solar-hour access" and "non-solar-hour access," where wind projects and standalone energy storage facilities can apply for non-solar-hour access, while solar and hybrid projects may be granted solar-hour access, aiming to improve the utilization efficiency of the same transmission infrastructure during different time periods.
The draft framework allows co-located renewable energy and storage projects to apply for interconnection based on the higher of the renewable energy generation capacity or storage capacity, and hybrid projects can optimize grid usage within approved interconnection limits.
In terms of capacity aggregation, KERC proposes allowing multiple renewable energy generators and storage projects to aggregate capacity through a lead generator or lead storage system model, sharing interconnection infrastructure and reducing grid development costs. Renewable energy park developers authorized by the central or state government may apply for interconnection on behalf of solar and wind projects, but must submit project approval documents and financial closure papers.
The proposed regulations align with the model GNA framework of the Forum of Regulators, aiming to streamline open access transactions, renewable energy integration, and storage deployment in Karnataka's grid. The draft is expected to take effect on October 1, 2026, after completing the stakeholder consultation process.
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