The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has notified the Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025. The notification, published on August 31, 2025, introduces several key changes aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and flexibility in grid access.

 

The amendment brings in new definitions such as “cluster of ISTS substations,” “connectivity grantee,” and “host RLDC,” while also classifying access rights into solar hours and non-solar hours to enable smoother integration of renewable energy and storage systems.

 

Revised provisions on withdrawal of applications and treatment of bank guarantees have been introduced, ensuring more streamlined processes for developers. The regulations also allow additional generation or storage capacity to be connected without system augmentation, provided it remains within granted limits.

 

The rules further mandate timely submission of project documents, transparent publication of available connectivity at substations, and weekly scheduling of solar and non-solar blocks by the NLDC.

 

According to the Commission, these changes will strengthen renewable integration, provide developers with more operational flexibility, and enhance overall grid stability as India scales up its clean energy capacity.