## Policy Analysis Report: Authorization for Electric Line Laying by ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a policy order issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) authorizing Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited to lay electric lines for a 300 MW solar power plant in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This authorization grants ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, with specific terms and conditions to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and environmental considerations. The key finding is that this policy facilitates the development of renewable energy infrastructure by granting necessary permissions and setting regulatory parameters for the project.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) order regarding the authorization granted to Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited for laying electric lines for their solar power plant project. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a new policy order.
* **Core Objective(s):** The core objective is to authorize Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited, under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to lay electric lines for their 300 MW solar power plant project in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This includes granting them the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 for the specific purpose of establishing the electric lines.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* **Likely Problem/Issue Addressed:** The policy addresses the need to facilitate the development and connectivity of renewable energy projects. By granting ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited the necessary authorization and powers, the CEA aims to streamline the process of establishing the required transmission infrastructure for the 300 MW solar power plant. This addresses potential bottlenecks in project development related to obtaining right-of-way and ensuring regulatory compliance.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
* **Main Components, Rules, and Actions Mandated:**
* **Authorization:** Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited is authorized to lay the specified overhead electric line (ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited power plant at Jodhpur, Rajasthan to BhadlaII PS 220 kV Sc line) under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
* **Powers of Telegraph Authority:** ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited is granted the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, specifically for laying electric lines and posts related to this project.
* **Terms and Conditions:**
* The approval is valid for 25 years.
* ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited must obtain consent from relevant authorities (local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, etc.) before erecting the lines.
* Compliance with regulations and codes related to transmission, Operation and Maintenance (O&M), and open access under the Electricity Act, 2003, is required.
* The lines must be operated after approval from the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government.
* Compliance with all provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, and its rules is mandatory.
* Requisite clearances from Civil Aviation, Defence, etc., must be submitted to the CEA at the time of electrical inspection.
* Compliance with the Supreme Court's order regarding the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is required.
* **Area Affected:** The overhead line will pass through Meghwalon Ki Dhani, Sopara, Badi Seed, and Kaan Ji Ki Seed villages under Bap Taluk of Jodhpur District
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
* **Directly Affected:**
* Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited.
* Local authorities (local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, etc.) in the Jodhpur region.
* The Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government.
* Civil Aviation and Defence authorities.
* Communities residing in the villages and areas through which the transmission line will pass (Meghwalon Ki Dhani, Sopara, Badi Seed, and Kaan Ji Ki Seed villages under Bap Taluk of Jodhpur District)
* Environmental Protection Agencies
* Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:**
* Central Electricity Authority (CEA) - responsible for granting the authorization and ensuring compliance.
* Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited - responsible for adhering to the terms and conditions of the authorization and implementing the project.
* Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government - responsible for approving the operation of the lines.
* Local Authorities, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, Civil Aviation and Defence, and other relevant authorities whose consent and clearances are required.
* **Timelines/Procedures:**
* The approval is granted for 25 years.
* ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited must seek consent from relevant authorities *before* erecting the lines.
* Clearances from Civil Aviation, Defence, etc., must be submitted at the time of electrical inspection.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
* **Likely Intended Outcomes:**
* Expedited development of the 300 MW solar power plant project by Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited.
* Increased renewable energy generation capacity in Rajasthan.
* Streamlined process for laying electric lines by granting telegraph authority powers.
* Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and environmental considerations during the project implementation.
* Minimization of impact on local communities due to the construction of the power line
**9. Conclusion:**
The CEA's authorization to Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited for laying electric lines is a significant step towards facilitating the development of renewable energy infrastructure. By granting the necessary powers and setting clear terms and conditions, the policy aims to ensure the efficient and responsible implementation of the 300 MW solar power plant project. The policy's significance lies in its contribution to increasing renewable energy capacity and promoting sustainable development while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and environmental safeguards.
Key Entities Referenced
Electricity Act, 2003: A law under which Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited applied for authorization and conferred powers.
ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited: The applicant company seeking authorization for laying electric lines for a solar power plant.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Location of the 300 MW solar power plant for which ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited seeks authorization.
Central Electricity Authority: An authority which granted prior approval under section 681 of the Electricity Act, 2003 to Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: A law that specifies the powers that the telegraph authority possess with respect to placing of telegraph lines and posts.
Rajasthan Patrika: A Hindi local newspaper where Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited published notice for transmission scheme.
Dainik Navjyoti: A Hindi local newspaper where Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited published notice for transmission scheme.
Hindustan Times: An English local newspaper where Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited published notice for transmission scheme.
The Times of India: An English local newspaper where Ms. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited published notice for transmission scheme.
BhadlaII PS 220 kV Sc line: Overhead line of ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited power plant at Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Supreme Court of India: Hon'ble Supreme Court of India passed directions in Order in I.A No. 85618 of 2020 dated 19.04.2021 related to GIB Great Indian Bustard in Writ Petition No. 838 of 2019
Great Indian Bustard: Related to Order of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in I.A No. 85618 of 2020 dated 19.04.2021 in Writ Petition No. 838 of 2019
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-22022022-233674
xxxGIDHxxx
CG-DL-E-22022022-233674
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 100] नई ददल्ली, मगं लिार, फरिरी 22, 2022/फाल्ग नु 3, 1943
No. 100] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022/PHALGUNA 3, 1943
केंद्रीय जिद्यतु प्राजधकरण
आदेि
नई ददल्ली,13 िनिरी, 2022
फा. स.ं CEA-PS-13-23(13)/3/2021-PSPM Division.—िबदक मेससस एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट
जलजमटेड, जिसका पंिीकृत कायासलय, 104, मुनीि प्लािा, 20, अंसारी रोड, दरया गंि, नई ददल्ली -110002 ह,ै ने
पारेषण योिना “िोधपुर (रािस्ट्थान) म ें एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड की 300 मेगािाट की सौय स उिा स
पररयोिना के जलए कनैजटटजिटी रांसजमिन जसस्ट्टम ” के तहत जबिली की तार जबछाने के जलए जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003
की धारा 164 के अतं गतस प्राजधकृत करन े हते ु आिेदन दकया ह।ै
और िबदक, के.जि.प्रा., जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार न े अपने पत्र स.ं सी.ई.ए-पी.एस-11-21(25) /1/2018-
पी.एस.पी.ए-I, जडिीिन- पाट(स 2)/139 ददनांक 05.04.2021 के द्वारा पारेषण योिना “िोधपुर (रािस्ट्थान) म ें एकम े
सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड की 300 मेगािाट की सौयस उिा स पररयोिना के जलए कनैजटटजिटी रांसजमिन जसस्ट्टम ”
के अंतगसत आने िाली जिरोपरर लाइन के जलए एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को जिद्युत अजधजनयम की धारा
68(1) के अंतगतस पूि स अनुमोदन प्रदान दकया था।
मेसस स एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड न े ददनांक 22.04.2021 (रािस्ट्थान पजत्रका (लहदं ी म ें )और दैजनक
निज्योजत (लहदं ी म)ें और ददनांक 23.04.2021 (लहदं स्ट्ु तान टाइम्स (अंग्रेज़ी म ें )और (द टाइम्स ऑफ़ इंजडया (अंग्रेज़ी
1253 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
में) तथा भारत का रािपत्र ददनांक 10.07.2021 म ें पारेषण योिना के जलए प्रस्ट्ताजित पारेषण मागस पर प्रकािन की
तारीख स े 60 ददनों के भीतर आम िनता की रटप्पजणयों / अभ्यािेदन की मांग करते हुए नोरटस प्रकाजित दकया था । इसके
पश्चात, मेसस स एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड न े 09.11.2021 ददनांदकत एक हलफनामा प्रस्ट्ततु दकया, जिसम ें
घोषणा की गई दक समाचार पत्रों / भारत का रािपत्र म ें उपरोक्त पारेषण योिना के जलए सािसिजनक सूचना के प्रकािन के
60 ददनों के भीतर िनता स े कोई आपजि प्राप्त नहीं की गई ह।ै
और अब आिेदक ने जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अंतगसत पारेषण योिना “मेससस एकम े सोलर
होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड” न े अपने प्रस्ट्ताजित 300 मेगािाट की सौयस उिा स पररयोिना के जलए के जलए कनेजटटजिटी
जसस्ट्टम के तहत जिद्युत लाइन जबछाने के जलए उसे ि े सभी िजक्तयां प्रदान करने का अनरु ोध दकया ह,ै िो टेलीग्राफ के
प्रयोिन के जलए सरकार द्वारा स्ट्थाजपत टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए या स्ट्थाजपत होन े िाली
टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम, 1885 के अंतगसत टेलीग्राफ
प्राजधकरण के पास ह।ै पारेषण योिना के अंतगसत जनम्नजलजखत जिरोपरर लाईन ह:ैं
1. िोधपुर (रािस्ट्थान) म ें एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड पािर प्लांट स े भादला-II पीएस तक 220
के. िी एस.सी लाइन
उपरोक्त स्ट्कीम के अतं गतस जिरोपरर लाईन जनम्नजलजखत गांिों, नगरों और िहरों स,े उनके ऊपर स,े उनके आस-पास स े तथा
उनके बीच स े गुिरेगी:-
गांिो के नाम तालुक जिला
मेघिालों की ढाणी , सोपारा , बड़ी सीड , कान िी की सीड बाप िोधपुर
अब, सािधानीपूिसक जिचार करन े के पश्चात, केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण, जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार, “मेससस
एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड” को उपरोक्त जिरोपरर लाइनों को लगाने के जलए िे सभी िजक्तयां जनम्नजलजखत
जनबंधनों एि ं ितों के साथ प्रदान करता ह,ै िो टेलीग्राफ के उद्देश्य के जलए सरकार द्वारा स्ट्थाजपत टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और
खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए या स्ट्थाजपत होन े िाली टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय
टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम, 1885 के अंतगसत टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास ह-ै
(i) यह अनुमोदन 25 िषों के जलए प्रदान दकया िाता ह।ै
(ii) आिेदक को प्रस्ट्ताजित लाइनों की स्ट्थापना स े पूिस संबंजधत प्राजधकाररयों अथासत् स्ट्थानीय जनकायों, रेलि,े
राष्ट्रीय रािमाग,स राज्य रािमागस आदद की सहमजत प्राप्त करनी होगी।
(iii) आिेदक को जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के तहत समुजचत आयोग के द्वारा तैयार दकए गए पारेषण, ओ एडं
एम, ओपन एटसेस आदद के जिजनयमों/संजहताओं का पालन करना होगा।
(iv) आिेदक केंद्र सरकार के जिद्युत जनरीक्षक/मुख्य जिद्युत जनरीक्षक के अनुमोदन के पश्चात ही लाइनों का
प्रचालन करेगा।
(v) यह अनुमोदन आिेदक द्वारा जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के प्रािधानों और उसके तहत बनाए गए जनयमों की
अपेक्षाओं का अनुपालन दकए िाने के अध्यधीन ह।ै[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(vi) “मेससस एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड” को जिद्युत जनरीक्षण के समय जिमानन एि ं रक्षा
प्राजधकरणों इत्यादद, स े अपेजक्षत अनुमजत को प्राप्त करन े के बाद, इस े केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण को जिद्युत
जनरीक्षण के समय प्रस्ट्तुत करना होगा।
(vii) मेससस एकम े सोलर होलल्डंग्स प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को ओिरहडे लाइन जबछान े के जलए माननीय सिोच्च
न्यायालय के आदेि ददनांक 19.04.2021 िीआईबी (ग्रेट इंजडयन बस्ट्टडस) मामल े के संबंध म ें2019 की ररट
याजचका संख्या 838, 2020 के आईए नंबर 85618 का पालन करना होगा।
िी. के. जमश्रा, सजचि
[जिज्ञापन-III/4/असा./655/2021-22]
CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY
ORDER
New Delhi, the 13th January, 2022
F. No. CEA-PS-13-23(13)/3/2021-PSPM Division.—Whereas M/s. ACME Solar Holdings
Private Limited, the applicant with its registered office at 104, Munish Plaza, 20, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj,
New Delhi-110002, has applied for authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for laying
of electric line under the transmission scheme “Connectivity system to M/s ACME Solar Holdings Private
Limited for 300 MW solar power plant in Jodhpur, Rajasthan”
And whereas, CEA, Ministry of Power, Government of India vide its Letter No.CEA-PS-11-
21(25)/1/2018-PSPA-I Division-Part(2)/139 dated 5th April, 2021 had granted prior approval under
section 68(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003 to M/s. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited for the overhead
lines covered under the transmission scheme “Connectivity system to M/s ACME Solar Holdings Private
Limited for 300 MW solar power plant in Jodhpur, Rajasthan”.
M/s. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited has published notice for this transmission scheme in
local newspapers dated 22.04.2021 (Rajasthan Patrika (in Hindi), Dainik Navjyoti (in Hindi)) and
23.04.2021 (Hindustan Times (in English) and The Times of India (in English)) and in Gazette of India
dated 10.07.2021 for the general public to make observations/representations on the proposed transmission
route within 60 days from the date of publication. Subsequently, M/s ACME Solar Holdings Private
Limited has submitted an affidavit dated 09.11.2021 declaring that no objection has been received from
public within 60 days of publication of Public Notice in newspapers / Gazette of India.
And now the applicant has requested to confer upon him, all the powers under section 164 of the
Electricity Act, 2003, which the telegraph authority possess under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 with
respect to the placing of telegraph lines and posts for the purpose of a telegraph established or maintained
by Government or to be so established or maintained for laying of electric lines under the transmission
scheme “Connectivity system to M/s. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited for 300 MW solar power
plant in Jodhpur, Rajasthan”. The following overhead line is covered under this transmission scheme:
(i) ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited power plant at Jodhpur, Rajasthan – Bhadla-II PS 220 kV
S/c line
The above overhead line included under the scheme will pass through, over, around and between
the following villages, towns and cities:
NAME OF VILLAGES TALUK DISTRICT
Meghwalon Ki Dhani, Sopara, Badi Seed, Kaan Ji Ki Seed Bap Jodhpur4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
Now, after careful consideration, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, Government of
India, under section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, confers all the powers to M/s. ACME Solar Holdings
Private Limited for laying above overhead line, which telegraph authority possesses under the Indian
Telegraph Act, 1885 with respect to placing of telegraph lines and posts for the purposes of a telegraph
established or maintained, by Government or to be established or maintained subject to following terms and
conditions for installing the above mentioned lines, namely:
(i) The approval is granted for 25 years;
(ii) The Applicant shall have to seek the consent of the concerned authorities i.e. local bodies,
Railways, National Highways, State Highways etc. before erection of proposed lines;
(iii) The Applicant shall have to follow regulations/codes of the Appropriate Commission
regarding transmission, O&M, open access, etc., framed under Electricity Act, 2003.
(iv) The Applicant shall operate the lines after approval of Electrical Inspector / Chief
Electrical Inspector of Central Government.
(v) The approval is subject to compliance of the requirement of the provisions of the
Electricity Act, 2003 and the rules made there under by the applicant.
(vi) M/s. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited shall have to submit the requisite clearances to
Central Electricity Authority after obtaining the same from concerned authorities like Civil
Aviation, Defence etc., at the time of Electrical Inspection.
(vii) M/s. ACME Solar Holdings Private Limited shall comply with the direction of Hon'ble
Supreme Court of India in its Order in I.A No. 85618 of 2020 dated 19.04.2021 related to
GIB (Great Indian Bustard) in Writ Petition No. 838 of 2019 for laying of overhead
transmission lines.
V. K. MISHRA, Secy.
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./655/2021-22]
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.