The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has notified the CERC (Indian Electricity Grid Code) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024.
The key changes include the reduction of the allowable period for injecting infirm power from one year to 45 days for renewable energy generating stations and energy storage systems, with provisions for extending this period by three months through requests to the regional load despatch centre or longer extensions to the CERC. Additionally, hydropower stations can now declare their commercial operation date (COD) even when water levels are low, demonstrating capabilities with available water, and are obligated to fully test once conditions improve. The scheduling of generating stations will start at midnight two days after the COD is declared, ensuring a smoother transition to commercial operations.
Thermal power plants not operating at full capacity will receive compensation based on their contracts, with specific terms defaulting to the CERC’s 2010 grid code if not outlined. New operational limits require generating stations to maintain minimum generation levels during off-peak hours while remaining flexible for peak demand. Finally, capacity revisions are capped at four per day for most generating stations and six for lignite, gas, and hydro stations, with maximum monthly limits set at 60 and 120, respectively.