CERC (Indian Electricity Grid Code) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026 — draft

Comments due: 2 November 2026

CERC proposes changes to the Grid Code on trial runs for storage, scheduling of infirm power, congestion charges and grid access for defaulters. Comments are now invited until 2 November 2026, with a public hearing on 4 November.

What changes

1. Trial-run rules for storage: standalone ESS of 50 MW and above; storage of 250 MW or more may complete trial runs in instalments of at least 50 MW; separate provisions for pumped storage.
2. Infirm power can be scheduled only after a successful trial run; if the contract is silent, it is first offered to contracted buyers with at least seven days' notice.
3. Congestion charges apply when flows exceed total transfer capability; a warning is issued once flows cross available transfer capability.
4. Entities in default on deviation, congestion or reactive energy charges can have their grid access restricted.
5. Requests to extend the start of power interchange need documented reasons, must be filed at least 10 days ahead, with monthly updates to the RLDC; extensions are capped at three months in total.
6. Most changes apply from gazette publication; amendments to paragraph 16(B) apply from 1 April 2027.

Who is affected

Generators · Storage developers · Pumped storage · RLDCs / NLDC · Transmission users · Discoms

CERC extended the comment deadline from 21 Oct to 2 Nov 2026 by a public notice dated 22 Oct 2026 (No. L-1/265/2022/CERC), at stakeholders' request. Public hearing: 4 Nov 2026, 10:30 AM.

Sources

• CERC public notice extending deadline, 22 Oct 2026 (official)OFFICIAL
• CERC draft amendment (official)OFFICIAL
• CERC public hearing notice (official)OFFICIAL
• Indian Infrastructure, 23 Sep 2026

Last checked 27 October 2026. Summary for information; rely on the official gazette text.