Whereas, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission Connectivity and General Network Access to the inter State Transmission System Regulations, 2022 hereinafter GNA Regulations was, on 07 06 2022, published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary

## Policy Analysis Report: Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) Notification Regarding Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) concerning the Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) Regulations, 2022. This notification, effectively an amendment, clarifies the implementation timeline for the GNA Regulations. While the overall regulations were published on June 7, 2022, this notification specifies that most provisions will come into effect on October 15, 2022, while certain regulations (23-24, 26-36, 37.9, 38, 40, and 43) will have their commencement dates notified separately. Furthermore, fresh applications for Connectivity and GNA and their processing and grant under GNA Regulations will be effective from a date to be notified separately. Existing scheduling, dispatch, billing, collection, and disbursement processes based on older regulations will continue until further notification. The report focuses on understanding the implications of this phased implementation approach. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of the CERC notification regarding the Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) Regulations, 2022, based solely on the information provided in the given policy text. The report outlines the key provisions of the notification, its likely rationale, and the potential impact on affected stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** * The notification pertains to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission Connectivity and General Network Access to the inter-State Transmission System Regulations, 2022, hereinafter GNA Regulations. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective of the overall policy (GNA Regulations) is inferred to be the regulation of connectivity and general network access to the inter-State Transmission System. This notification's specific objective is to define the effective dates for different parts of the GNA Regulations to allow for a phased implementation. **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification specifies a phased implementation of the GNA Regulations. The reason for this phased approach is likely to allow stakeholders adequate time to adapt to the new regulations and for CERC to finalize the implementation procedures for more complex aspects, such as regulations 23-24, 26-36, 37.9, 38, 40, and 43. This also allows for the continued function of essential processes using existing regulations during the transition. This is designed to avoid immediate disruptions to the electricity market. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification acts as an amendment to the initial GNA Regulations. Key changes introduced by this notification include: * **Specific parts of the original policy being changed:** The notification impacts the implementation timeline initially implied in the original GNA Regulations. * **The *new* rule/provision:** * Most of the GNA Regulations come into effect on October 15, 2022. * Regulations 23 to 24, 26 to 36, 37.9, 38, 40, and 43 will come into effect on a date to be notified separately. * Fresh Applications for Connectivity and GNA and their processing and grant under GNA Regulations shall be made effective from a date to be notified separately. * Scheduling, despatch, billing, collection and disbursement will continue under existing regulations (Indian Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2010; Open Access in inter-State transmission Regulations, 2008; Sharing of inter-State Transmission Charges and Losses Regulations, 2020) until further notice. * **The *difference* or the *effect* of this specific change:** The phased approach allows existing systems and processes to continue operating, reducing disruption while also indicating that these parts of the policy require further consideration before implementation. It provides a clear timeline for compliance and informs stakeholders when to expect changes. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * Designated ISTS Customers (DICs) * Users of the inter-State transmission grid * Entities involved in electricity scheduling and despatch * Entities involved in billing, collection, and disbursement of inter-State transmission charges and losses * Applicants for Connectivity and GNA **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is the responsible body for implementing and overseeing the GNA Regulations and this notification. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification specifies October 15, 2022, as the effective date for many of the GNA regulations. It also indicates that further notifications will be issued regarding the effective dates of other regulations and the application procedures for Connectivity and GNA. * The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission Indian Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2010, as amended from time to time, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission Open Access in interState transmission Regulations, 2008, as amended from time to time and the Detailed Procedures issued thereunder, and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission Sharing of interState Transmission Charges and Losses Regulations, 2020 till further notification, will all remain in effect. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these specific changes introduced by the notification is to ensure a smooth transition to the new GNA Regulations. By phasing the implementation, CERC aims to minimize disruption to the electricity market and provide stakeholders with sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements. It will allow CERC to finalize procedures for specific aspects of the policy before implementation. **9. Conclusion:** The CERC notification regarding the GNA Regulations represents a critical step in regulating connectivity and general network access to the inter-State Transmission System. The phased implementation approach ensures a smooth transition for stakeholders and reduces the risk of disruption to the electricity market. Stakeholders should closely monitor further notifications from CERC regarding the effective dates of the remaining regulations and the application procedures for Connectivity and GNA to ensure compliance and understanding of their obligations under the new regulatory framework.

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