Gati Vidhi – October 2026

MoC invites claims for compensation in respect of Schedule I coal mines

Ministry of Coal (“MoC”), vide Notice No. NA-110/1/2021-NA), dated 06.10.2026, has invited claims under Section 9 of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, read with Rule 15 of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014, in respect of compensation for the Schedule I coal mines listed in the notice.

The notice invites claims from secured creditors for unpaid secured debt, and from the Central Government, State Governments and local authorities for outstanding revenues, taxes, cess, additional levy and rates due from prior allottees. For specified coal mines that were re-allocated after the Supreme Court’s judgment dated 24.09.2014 and subsequently terminated or cancelled, the notice limits eligible claims to amounts accruing during the period between re-allocation and termination of the respective mine.

Claims, supported by documentary evidence and accompanied by an affidavit in the prescribed format, must be submitted to the Nominated Authority by 12:00 noon on 20.10.2026. Scanned copies must also be emailed by 5:00 p.m. on the same date. Claims received after the prescribed deadline will not be considered.

A copy of the said Notice can be viewed here.

MNRE issues guidelines for compliance with Ministry of Defence requirements for wind power projects

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (“MNRE”), vide Office Memorandum dated 01.10.2026, issued instructions to wind power project developers regarding compliance with Ministry of Defence (“MoD”) guidelines and the submission of applications, maps and supporting documents for projects requiring a No Objection Certificate (“NOC). The memorandum seeks to standardise application submissions, facilitate timely examination of proposals and avoid delays arising from incomplete documentation or non-compliance with NOC conditions.

The memorandum requires developers to submit one soft copy of the complete application along with the prescribed Excel sheet and three sets of hard copies of the requisite maps for each Defence aerodrome falling within the vicinity of the proposed project. The hard copies of maps and supporting documents, along with the Excel sheet, must be submitted to MNRE within one week from the date of application submission, failing which the application may be rejected or returned without further processing.

Further, developers must ensure strict compliance with applicable MoD guidelines and NOC conditions, including prescribed restrictions and stipulations. A copy of the NOC or approval must be submitted to the concerned State Nodal Agency (“SNA”) and State Transmission Utility (“STU”). The project’s location, layout, height, infrastructure and associated facilities must remain compliant with the applicable requirements. Any violation of the NOC conditions or MoD guidelines may result in the revocation or invalidation of the NOC.

Copy of the MNRE guidelines can be accessed here.

MNRE issues SOP for updating model numbers of Solar PV Modules in BIS registration

MNRE vide Office Memorandum dated 01.10.2026, issued a Standard Operating Procedure (“SOP”) for updating model numbers of Solar Photovoltaic (“PV”) Modules registered with the Bureau of Indian Standards (“BIS”), to establish a uniform and verifiable mechanism for traceability of module and solar cell manufacturing origins.

The SOP mandates the incorporation of a four-character country-code suffix into model numbers, comprising the first two characters representing the country of module manufacture and the next two representing the country of solar cell manufacture. Where different Bills of Materials (“BOMs”) under the same original model use solar cells manufactured in different countries, separate country-coded model numbers must be created for each BOM configuration. Multiple solar cell manufacturers may be used under a single model only where they are located in the same country and are identified in the approved BOM.

For existing BIS-registered models, manufacturers must apply for additional country-coded model numbers and submit the corresponding revised BOMs. Where the revision involves only restricting or separating already-approved solar cells without changes to components, materials, design or manufacturing processes, fresh testing will not be required, subject to verification by the test laboratory. The laboratory shall issue a supplementary test report, and BIS may issue a revised certificate or addendum incorporating the additional model numbers, subject to applicable requirements.

Manufacturers must comply with the new requirements for existing registered models within 180 days from 01.10.2026. Thereafter, all applications for registration, inclusion or addition of Solar PV Module models must comply with the prescribed country-coded identification and BOM requirements. The approved model number must be consistently reflected in product labels, test reports, BIS certificates, module datasheets and other relevant documents.

Copy of the MNRE SOP can be accessed here.

MoPNG invites comments on Draft Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2026

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (“MoPNG”), vide Office Memorandum dated 30.09.2026, has invited comments and suggestions from the public and industry stakeholders on the Draft Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing amendments to the Petroleum Act, 1934. The proposed amendments seek to modernise the framework governing petroleum-related offences by decriminalising regulatory violations, such as breaches of licence terms and conditions, and introducing a mechanism for imposing civil penalties through administrative adjudication, while strengthening deterrence against serious offences affecting petroleum operations and infrastructure.

The draft proposes substituting Section 23 and introducing new Sections 23A to 23E to establish specific offences and a graded penalty framework. 

These include penalties for undertaking licensed activities without the requisite licence, obtaining licences fraudulently, damaging petroleum facilities, pilferage of petroleum and endangering public safety. The proposed provisions prescribe imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to ₹25 crore for carrying out licensed activities without authorisation, while damage to notified critical petroleum infrastructure may attract imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine of up to ₹25 crore or the cost of the damage, whichever is lower.

Further, proposed Section 23C provides for civil penalties of up to ₹2.5 crore for the first breach and ₹5 crore for subsequent breaches of licence conditions, alongside directions to ensure compliance and recommendations for suspension, revocation or curtailment of the licence. The draft also proposes amendments to Sections 24 and 25 concerning confiscation of facilities and equipment used in committing offences, jurisdiction of courts and the applicability of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Stakeholders may submit their comments and suggestions to sodist-png@gov.in and richa.86@nic.in within 30 days from the date of publication of the notice for consideration by the Government. A copy of the Draft MoPNG Amendments can be viewed here.

MoP revises guidelines for payment of RoW compensation for transmission lines

The Ministry of Power (“MoP”), vide Notification No. F. No. 3/4/2016-Trans-Part(4), dated 06.10.2026, has issued revised guidelines for payment of compensation for Right of Way (“RoW”) for Inter-State Transmission System (“ISTS”) lines of 66 kV and above. The guidelines supersede the earlier guidelines dated 14.06.2024, supplementary guidelines dated 21.03.2025 and amendment dated 15.12.2025, replacing the earlier land valuation mechanism with a revised procedure and introducing differentiated RoW corridor compensation rates.

Under the revised framework, the Market Rate Committee (“MRC”) shall determine the market value of land where the prevailing market rate exceeds the circle rate, guideline value or applicable Stamp Act rate. The District Administration shall select three independent valuers empaneled with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (“IBBI”), whose reports must be submitted within 21 days. All three valuations shall be opened together, and the highest and lowest valuations shall be normalised to within 20% of the median valuation. The average of the three valuations after normalisation shall constitute the market rate.

The guidelines prescribe tower base compensation at 200% of the market value and differentiated RoW corridor compensation for ISTS lines: 30% of market value in rural areas, 45% in municipalities, nagar panchayats and other notified urban planning areas, and 60% in municipal corporations and metropolitan areas notified by the State Government. Compensation shall be paid once, upfront, for the stretch covered by the detailed on-site work plan submitted by the Transmission Service Provider (“TSP”) to the District Authority.

The guidelines further provide that any difference between the actual RoW compensation paid and the base compensation determined under the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding guidelines may be claimed as a pass-through under the Change in Law provisions before the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. An aggrieved party may also appeal against the MRC’s decision before the State-notified Appellate Authority within 30 days, subject to agreeing to commencement of work pending adjudication. The Appellate Authority’s decision shall be final and binding, with no further appeal permitted.

Revised MoP guidelines on RoW compensation can be accessed here.

PNGRB issues guidelines for permitting the use of existing reticulated LPG manifold pipeline systems for PNG supply in housing societies

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (“PNGRB”), vide Guidelines dated 07.10.2026, issued guidelines for implementing the PNGRB (Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks) Amendment Regulations, 2026, notified on 18.09.2026. The guidelines permit the reuse of existing reticulated Liquefied Petroleum Gas (“LPG”) manifold pipeline systems for Piped Natural Gas (“PNG”) supply in housing societies and residential complexes, subject to technical suitability, safety assessments and compliance with applicable standards, thereby facilitating faster PNG connectivity without requiring additional pipeline infrastructure.

The guidelines require City Gas Distribution (“CGD”) entities to assess pipeline material compatibility, pressure suitability, wall thickness and structural integrity before conversion. A comprehensive pre-conversion safety assessment, including visual inspection, leakage and pressure testing, verification of structural supports, accessibility, ventilation and concealed piping arrangements, must be undertaken. Defective, corroded or non-compliant pipeline sections must be replaced, and LPG-specific accessories must be replaced with PNG-compatible equipment. Before commissioning PNG supply, a compliance certificate must be obtained from a PNGRB-approved Third Party Inspection Agency (“TPIA”).

Further, the concerned CGD entity shall be responsible for the safety, operation, maintenance and integrity of the converted pipeline network, including periodic maintenance and monitoring of leakage complaints, pressure fluctuations and service disruptions. The guidelines also recommend suitable gas detectors, solenoid valves and protective casing arrangements, wherever required, to enhance operational safety. Existing LPG pipelines shall not be reused where their integrity, pressure suitability, ventilation or safe operability cannot be established. The reuse of such pipelines shall be considered on a case-to-case basis, subject to satisfactory inspection, testing, rectification and compliance with applicable PNGRB regulations and safety standards.

A copy of the PNGRB Guidelines on reuse of existing reticulated LPG can be accessed here.

PNGRB issues guidelines for controlled utilization of Multilayer Composite (MLC) piping systems for above-ground PNG service lines

PNGRB on 07.10.2026, has issued guidelines for the implementation of the PNGRB (Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks) Amendment Regulations, 2026, notified on 18.09.2026. The guidelines permit the use of Multilayer Composite (“MLC”) piping systems upstream of the consumer meter in Piped Natural Gas (“PNG”) installations, subject to compliance with prescribed technical standards, safety requirements and risk assessment procedures.

The guidelines require MLC piping systems to comply with applicable standards, including IS 17544 and ISO 17484-1 and ISO 17484-2, and to be installed within secured or protected premises. For external wall installations, the piping must be installed downstream of the transition fitting and at a minimum height of 3 metres above ground level. CGD entities must conduct comprehensive engineering risk assessments for riser installations, ensure adequate structural supports and mechanical protection, and obtain manufacturer approval for continuous operations outside the standard ambient temperature range, wherever applicable. GI piping must be used where the safety and integrity of MLC piping cannot be established or where heavy mechanical impact or stress is foreseeable.

Further, the guidelines prohibit MLC piping in hazardous or vulnerable locations, including chimneys, lift shafts, electrical switchgear rooms, fire-prone areas and publicly accessible or vehicular movement zones. They also require manufacturer certification for UV stabilisers, appropriate maintenance inventories, installation and commissioning in accordance with applicable standards, and a compliance report from a PNGRB-approved Third Party Inspection Agency (“TPIA”) before commissioning PNG supply. CGD entities must additionally ensure personnel training and implement periodic operation and maintenance plans to maintain the safety, integrity and reliability of MLC piping systems throughout their service life. In case of any inconsistency between the guidelines and the Amendment Regulations, the Amendment Regulations shall prevail.

A copy of the PNGRB guidelines on controlled utilization of MLC piping systems can be viewed here.

PNGRB extends suspension of Imbalance/System Indiscipline Charges till 31.10.2026

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (“PNGRB”), vide Public Notice dated 08.10.2026, extended the temporary suspension of imbalance/system indiscipline charges under Regulation 13 of the PNGRB (Access Code for Common Carrier or Contract Carrier Natural Gas Pipelines) Regulations, 2008, for a further period of one month, from 01.10.2026 to 31.10.2026, in view of the continuing geopolitical uncertainties affecting energy supplies, LNG availability, logistics and gas scheduling. During this period, no such charges shall be levied on concerned entities, shippers or consumers for gas scheduling, offtake, transportation and balancing, subject to compliance with other applicable regulatory, contractual and operational requirements. The extension is intended to provide temporary regulatory relief and allow stabilisation of supply and operational conditions pending further consideration of measures to rationalise such charges.

The copy of the PNGRB Public Notice extending suspension of Imbalance/System Indiscipline Charges can be viewed here.

PNGRB invites stakeholder comments on Draft Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff) Amendment Regulations, 2026

PNGRB, vide Public Notice dated 08.10.2026, invited views and comments from stakeholders and the general public on the Draft Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff) Amendment Regulations, 2026. The proposed amendments seek to expand the applicability of the Unified Tariff framework to include non-interconnected natural gas pipelines, thereby bringing additional pipeline networks within the framework for the determination and settlement of unified tariffs.

The draft proposes amendments to the definition of the “national gas grid system” under Regulation 2(1)(ec), along with the introduction of a new Schedule C1 listing non-interconnected natural gas pipelines proposed to be included in the Unified Tariff framework. These include specified pipeline networks operated by GAIL (India) Limited, Assam Gas Company Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Gas Transmission India Private Limited, IMC Limited and Hooghly Pipelines Private Limited. The draft also proposes to permit non-interconnected pipelines to form part of a unified contractual path in cases involving government-allocated natural gas supplied through a swapping mechanism.

Further, the proposed amendments seek to provide for the inclusion of common expenses incurred by pipeline entities on behalf of the Industry Committee, including auditor fees, portal development and maintenance costs, and consultancy charges for PNGRB-approved studies, in the revenue entitlement of the entity incurring such expenses. Such inclusion would be subject to an aggregate annual limit of ₹1 crore, inclusive of taxes, across all entities and common expenses. Any expenditure exceeding this limit would be shared among the entities in accordance with the existing cost-sharing practice.

The draft also proposes consequential amendments to the settlement mechanism under Schedule D, including provisions concerning auditor expenses, information technology system development and operational costs, and other expenses relating to the functioning of the Settlement Committee and Industry Committee. These expenses would first be included in the revenue entitlement of the respective entity incurring them, with any remaining amount, where applicable, to be shared equally among the members of the Industry Committee.

Stakeholders may submit their views and comments by email to secretary@pngrb.gov.in, with the subject line “Views/Comments on Draft PNGRB NGPL Tariff Amendment Regulations 2026”, and/or in writing to the Secretary, PNGRB, within 15 days from the date of issuance of the Public Notice, i.e., on or before 23.10.2026. A copy of the Draft Amendment Regulations can be viewed here.

CERC issues Draft Indian Electricity Grid Code (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (“CERC”), vide its draft notification dated 21.09.2026, issued the Draft Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026, proposing amendments to the CERC (Indian Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2023. The proposed amendments seek to revise the framework governing trial runs and declaration of Commercial Operation Date (“COD”), particularly for renewable energy generating stations, energy storage systems (“ESS”) and pumped storage plants (“PSPs”). Key proposals include reducing the notice period for trial runs from seven days to three days, prescribing timelines and conditions for extensions of the period for interchange of power and introducing specific trial-run and COD requirements for PSPs.

The Draft Regulations also propose to delink COD declaration under the Grid Code from additional contractual conditions under the Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”), while requiring such conditions to be fulfilled before power is supplied under the contract. Further, the amendments propose changes to primary response requirements, reserve estimation methodology, scheduling and de-commitment of generating units, and timelines for schedule revisions, including phased implementation of revised scheduling timelines, with the second phase taking effect from April 1, 2027.

The Draft Regulations also propose to introduce a framework for regulating access to entities that default on payment of Deviation Settlement Mechanism (“DSM”), congestion or reactive energy charges, or fail to maintain the prescribed payment security mechanism. The proposed framework provides for complete regulation of short-term access in specified circumstances, followed by progressive reduction of access for other contracts by 5% for each month of default, with restoration of access upon payment of outstanding dues or maintenance of adequate payment security. 

CERC has further proposed to incorporate provisions for congestion charges into the Grid Code, including their levy, payment and disbursement, and to repeal the existing CERC (Measures to relieve congestion in real time operation) Regulations, 2009, while continuing the existing congestion-charge rate until a new rate is notified. Other proposed changes include permitting State Governments to sell their free-power share from the bus bar of Central Hydro Generating Stations and revising the procedures for unit shut-down and Security Constrained Unit Commitment (“SCUC”). 

A copy of the Draft Second Amendments can be viewed here.

TGERC invites comments on TGDISCOMs’ proposal to procure renewable energy and storage capacity

The Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (“TGERC“) has invited objections, suggestions and comments on a petition filed by the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (“TGSPDCL“) and the Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (“TGNPDCL“) (collectively, “TGDISCOMs”), seeking in-principle approval for procuring renewable energy (RE) and associated storage capacity.

The Petition has been filed under Sections 63 and 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and Section 21(4) of the Telangana Electricity Reforms Act, 1998. The proposed procurement is intended to address the State’s projected energy and peak-demand deficits, meet applicable renewable consumption obligations and reduce dependence on high-cost short-term power purchases.

As per the petition, the State’s annual energy requirement is projected to increase from 108,125 million units (MU) in FY 2026–27 to 177,219 MU in FY 2035–36, while peak demand is projected to rise from 19,953 MW to 29,812 MW over the same period. TGDISCOMs have also highlighted the anticipated expiry of existing power purchase agreements and the projected shortfall in meeting the Ministry of Power’s renewable consumption targets.

Accordingly, TGDISCOMs have proposed the following capacity additions, with procurement expected to commence in FY 2028–29:

• 800 MW of standalone wind generation capacity for 25 years;
• 3,000 MW of solar capacity integrated with battery energy storage for 25 years;
• 2,000 MW of renewable energy round-the-clock (RE-RTC) power for 25 years; and
• 2,000 MWh of peak firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) capacity, equivalent to 500 MW for four hours, for 15 years.

TGDISCOMs have submitted that the proposed portfolio would improve supply during peak and non-solar hours, support compliance with renewable consumption obligations and provide greater long-term certainty in power procurement costs. The proposed procurement is to be undertaken through a transparent competitive bidding process in accordance with the applicable bidding framework and guidelines.

The petition seeks the Commission’s in-principle approval for the proposed procurement. TGDISCOMs have stated that the corresponding tariff-adoption petitions, together with the power purchase agreements, will be filed after completion of the competitive bidding process.

Stakeholders may submit their objections, suggestions and comments by 5:00 PM on 27.10.2026. TGERC has scheduled a public hearing on the petition for 03.11.2026 at 11:00 AM. A copy of the Petition can be found here.

BERC invites Comments on Draft Second Amendment to Rooftop Solar Net and Gross Metering Regulations, 2026

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (“BERC”), vide Public Notice No. 12 dated 08.10.2026, has initiated Suo Motu Proceedings No. 47/2026 to invite comments, suggestions and objections from the general public and stakeholders on the draft BERC (Rooftop Solar Grid Interactive Systems Based on Net and Gross Metering) (Second Amendment) Regulation, 2026. The draft proposes amendments to Clauses 3.3, 6.2 and 8.1 of the principal Regulations, 2018, primarily concerning rooftop solar capacity limits and the settlement of excess electricity under net metering arrangements.

Under the proposed amendments to Clauses 3.3 and 6.2, the capacity of a rooftop solar system under net metering would be subject to a minimum of 1 kWp and a maximum of 500 kWp, or the consumer’s sanctioned/contracted load, whichever is lower. Eligible consumers may opt for gross metering up to the extent of their sanctioned/contracted load. The draft also clarifies that the State Government may undertake rooftop solar projects of larger capacity through alternative mechanisms. The proposed amendment to Clause 8.1 provides that excess electricity injected into the grid under net metering, which remains unadjusted at the end of the financial year, would be compensated by the distribution licensee at 50% of the feed-in tariff approved by BERC for the relevant year.

BERC has invited written comments, suggestions and objections on the draft regulations on or before 28.10.2026. The Commission has also scheduled a public hearing for 03.11.2026 at 11:30 AM to enable interested persons, organizations and companies to submit oral or written arguments on the proposed amendments. 

A copy of the Draft Second Amendments can be viewed here.