Wind power developer order-watch: CERC prioritises PPA over grid code relaxation
Wind power developer petitions for tranche-wise commissioning hit a hard limit at CERC on 27 January 2026. The regulator refused to relax Indian Electricity Grid Code 2023 trial-run requirements where the governing power purchase agreement fixes the first commissioning threshold.
Powerica Ltd sought relaxation of Regulation 22(3)(c) to commission its 50 MW wind project in Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat, in tranches smaller than 50 MW. The company wanted trial runs and commissioning in batches of at least 10 MW, arguing that a phased construction sequence would otherwise leave ready turbines idle. The Wind power developer cited early revenue, integration risk control, and quicker green power injection during high-wind periods. UPPCL, the off-taker under a SECI-backed arrangement, conveyed conditional consent to off-take part-commissioned power, subject to CERC approval.
CERC anchored its decision in the PPA signed with SECI on 13 June 2024. Article 5.7 permits part commissioning, but states that the minimum capacity for acceptance of the first part is 50 MW. Only after that first 50 MW can later parts be accepted in blocks of at least 10 MW. The Commission also noted that another grid code clause already permits different trial-run capacities if the PPA provides for them. Here, the Wind power developer was bound by its own contract.For each Wind power developer, the compliance lesson is clear. If phased energisation is needed for Onshore wind projects, it must be built into contracting before award. EnergylineIndia.com tracks these Power sector reforms and how they shape commissioning risk for developers, Wind Project, CERC Order, SECI, UPPCL, Commissioning, Compliance, Indian Power News.
