Gati Vidhi – August 2026

APTEL holds that liberty to seek review before state commission cannot be granted without raising a formal defect or sufficient cause

The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (“Tribunal”) in its Order dated 19.08.2026 passed in Appeal No. 11 of 2026 and IA No.17 of 2026, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited v. Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission and Anr dismissed appeal filed by MSEDCL as being withdrawn while declining MSEDCL’s request for liberty to seek review of the Impugned Order dated 24.12.2025 before the Maharashtra Commission.

MSEDCL approached the Maharashtra Commission for claim of differential energy charges pursuant to the directions issued by MoP under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The Commission dismissed the Petition and directed payment of differential energy charges, fixed charges and late payment surcharge. MSEDCL approached the Tribunal challenging the Impugned Order and sought for interim stay of the Impugned Order. Before the Tribunal, Counsel representing the Maharashtra Commission requested to set aside the Impugned Order, and remand the matter back to the Commission for fresh consideration. The counsel appearing contended that the Commission agreed to reconsider the same. 

The Tribunal noted that it cannot merely set aside an order of the Commission and remand the case back for reconsideration merely upon asking, without gaining satisfaction that such submission is bonafide and upon sound legal basis. It was noted that no endeavour was made to explain the infirmity in the Impugned Order by the Commission, which would require their reconsideration. While, the Tribunal was pleased to allow the Appellant to withdraw the Appeal, citing provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, but it held that withdrawal of an appeal because the appellant realizes that its case before the appellate court is weak does not constitute either a “formal defect” or “sufficient cause” envisaged under sub-Rule 3 of Rule 1 of Order 23 CPC, and accordingly dismissed the Appeal as withdrawn without liberty to approach the Commission by way of a review petition.

A copy of the Order dated 19.08.2026 can be viewed here.

MNRE has mandated data residency and daily generation data sharing requirements for Rooftop Solar Inverters under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (“MNRE”) has, vide OM dated 17.08.2026, issued directions concerning compliance with MNRE guidelines relating to inverter-level generation data and storage of inverter-level data for Rooftop Solar (“RTS”) systems installed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (“PMSG: MBY”). The OM seeks to safeguard data sovereignty and cybersecurity while facilitating monitoring of generation from RTS systems.

The OM requires Inverter Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) to ensure that all applications, associated monitoring and control servers, real-time data of RTS systems, including any data or information hosted on cloud platforms, are stored in an encrypted, secure and protected environment and reside exclusively within India. Inverter OEMs are also required to include data loggers within the scope of their inverter warranties.

All Inverter OEMs / manufacturers operating in India for RTS installations are required to furnish a written confirmation to REC, with a copy to MNRE, within 30 days from 17.08.2026, confirming their adherence to the earlier MNRE requirements concerning secure communication of generation data and storage of all inverter-level data, including generation data, on servers / cloud infrastructure located within India. OEMs must also intimate an official Point of Contact (“PoC”) to MNRE. Failure to furnish the confirmation will result in the concerned Inverter OEM / manufacturer being prohibited from installing its systems on RTS installations under PMSG: MBY.

Further, all Inverter OEMs must provide daily generation data, comprising cumulative daily energy generation mapped to the Inverter Serial Number or other MNRE-specified identifier, to the National Portal through a uniform API. This requirement will continue until State/DISCOM-level central servers are developed to capture and transmit such data to the National Portal. The API shall be limited to the minimum required parameters, including daily generation data.

The OM dated 17.08.2026 can be accessed here.

MNRE has sought compliance status from Wind Turbine OEMs on cybersecurity requirements under ALMM (Wind)

The MNRE has, vide OM dated 20.08.2026, sought compliance status from all OEMs enlisted under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (“ALMM”) of Wind Turbines in respect of the cybersecurity-related requirements prescribed under the amendment dated 31.07.2026 to the ALMM Procedure.

The amendment requires data centres and / or servers handling wind turbine data be located within India, with all data pertaining to wind turbines stored and maintained within India. It further prohibits transfer of real-time operational data outside India and requires operational control of wind turbines to be exercised exclusively from a facility located within India. OEMs are also required to establish an R&D Centre in India within 1 year from issuance of the relevant amendment.

Accordingly, MNRE has directed all ALMM (Wind)-enlisted OEMs to submit their compliance status, along with documentary evidence, by 31.08.2026. OEMs are required to provide details including the name and location of local data servers and documentary evidence, details of local control centres, measures adopted to prevent control from outside India, and details of the local R&D Centre and manpower engaged therein.

The OM dated 20.08.2026 can be accessed here.

MNRE has issued 9^th Revision to ALMM List-II for Solar PV Cells

The MNRE has, vide OM dated 21.08.2026, issued 9^th Revision to the List of Manufacturers and Models of Solar PV Cells enlisted under the ALMM Order. The revision provides for amendments to the existing ALMM List-II and new model additions, including capacity addition, in respect of certain manufacturers.

Under the amendments to the existing list, the enlisted efficiency and wattage ranges of some of the existing manufacturers, being TP Solar Ltd., Renewsys India Pvt. Ltd., Premier Energies Photovoltaic Private Limited and Reliance Industries Limited have been revised. 

The revision also introduces new models additions for Waaree Energies Limited and EMMVEE Energy Private Limited, and a model and capacity addition for Avaada Electro Limited. Waaree’s Mono Crystalline TOPCon (N-Type) Bifacial Solar Cell has been enlisted with an efficiency range of 24.00% – 26.00% and validity from 15.12.2025 to 14.12.2029. EMMVEE’s Bifacial Mono-c-Si TOPCon Cells have been enlisted with validity from 31.07.2025 to 30.07.2029, while Avaada Electro’s newly added models have validity from 22.07.2026 to 21.07.2030.

The revision further clarifies that, unless expressly stated otherwise, where a model inclusion or change is made through a revision to the ALMM List, the capacity specified against the relevant manufacturing unit in that revision shall constitute the ALMM-enlisted manufacturing capacity from the date of that revision and shall not be construed as the cumulative sum of the capacity enlisted in previous ALMM lists / revisions and the capacity specified in this revision.

The OM dated 21.08.2026 can be accessed here.

MNRE has issued an advisory for extension of timelines for implementation of renewable energy projects due to disruptions arising from West Asia situation

The MNRE has, vide letter dated 21.08.2026, issued an advisory to the Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (“REIAs”), namely Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), NTPC Limited, NHPC Limited and SJVN Limited, and the Power / Energy / Renewable Energy Departments of State / UT Governments and Organisations / Agencies to consider requests for extension of timelines for implementation of renewable power projects where delays have occurred due to disruptions arising from the prevailing West Asia situation.

The MNRE’s advisory specifically contemplates consideration of extension of the Scheduled Commercial Supply Date (“SCSD”) / Scheduled Commissioning Date (“SCD”) for renewable energy projects whose SCSD / SCD falls on or after 28.02.2026, for a period of up to 4 months, in accordance with the force majeure provisions and contractual procedure applicable to the relevant PPA.

The letter dated 21.08.2026 can be accessed here.

MoPNG has amended the Petroleum Products (Maintenance of Production, Storage and Supply) Order, 1999

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (“MoPNG”) has, vide the Petroleum Products (Maintenance of Production, Storage and Supply) Amendment Order, 2026 dated 13.08.2026 (“Amendment Order”), amended the Petroleum Products (Maintenance of Production, Storage and Supply) Order, 1999 by virtue of its power conferred under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Amendment Order has come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

The Amendment introduces Clause 3A, requiring public sector, joint venture and private sector oil refining companies and upstream oil companies to develop, augment and maintain adequate infrastructure for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (“LPG”) storage, evacuation and transportation and implement technically and economically feasible measures, including naphtha-to-LPG conversion and FCC unit upgrades, to maximise LPG production.

Where necessary in the public interest, the Central Government may direct oil refining, oil marketing and upstream oil companies to increase LPG production for a specified quantity and period, including by restricting alternative uses of input streams required for LPG production.

The Centre for High Technology or any other authorised agency will monitor implementation, and contravention of directions will be punishable under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Schedule specifying the maximum LPG production will be updated twice a year (1^st January and 1^st July).

The Amendment Order can be accessed here.

MoEF&CC has invited proposals for Community Grants under GEF Small Grants Programme

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (“MoEF&CC”) has, through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme – Operational Phase 8 (SGP-OP8) in India, invited proposal from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) for community grants under Request for Proposal dated 31.07.2026. 

The programme supports community-driven projects across 5 landscapes, namely Aravallis, Western Ghats, Coastal, North-East and Himalayas, under 5 themes, including conservation, sustainable agriculture, low-carbon energy access, chemicals and waste management, and sustainable urban solutions.

Grants are available up to US$75,000 (approx. Rs. 67 lakhs) per project, and up to US$30,000 (approx. Rs. 27 lakhs) for eligible organisations in the North-East Region, for projects of 12 – 24 months. Proposals will be evaluated under a Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) process, with 80% technical and 20% financial weightage. The last date for submission is 31.08.2026.

The Request for Proposal dated 31.07.2026 can be accessed here.

PNGRB has invited comments on the Guidelines & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to Safety & Integrity of Retail Outlets

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (“PNGRB”) has, vide Public Notice dated 17.08.2026, initiated the preparation of “Guidelines & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to Safety & Integrity of Retail Outlets”, in pursuance of its mandate to promote safety in the Petroleum and Natural gas sector.

The draft Guidelines and SOPs have been prepared by the Committee of Executive Directors (HSSE) of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under the guidance and coordination of PNGRB, based on operational experiences, incident investigations, safety audits, stakeholder consultations, industry best practices and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

The comments can be submitted within 30 days from the date of the Public Notice, i.e., by 16.09.2026.

The Public Notice dated 17.08.2026 can be accessed here. The Draft Guidelines and SOPs can be accessed here.

PNGRB has authorized 1,800 km of new LPG pipeline infrastructure

The PNGRB has, vide Press Release dated 21.08.2026, authorised the development of 1,800 km (aprox.) of new LPG pipeline infrastructure, involving an estimated capital investment of Rs. 7,000 crores (approx.), across Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Goa. The projects comprise of (a) Cherlapally–Nagpur Pipeline (556 km); (b) Jhansi–Sitarganj Pipeline (611 km); and (c) Shikrapur–Goa & Hubli Pipeline (633 km), all of which have been authorised for development by GAIL (India) Limited.

Upon completion, the PNGRB-authorised common carrier LPG pipeline network will expand from 7,700 km to 9,500 km (approx.), an increase of nearly 23.5%. The projects are expected to reduce LPG tank-truck movement, improve road safety, lower logistics costs and congestion, and reduce carbon emissions by shifting transportation from road to pipelines.

The expanded network is also expected to strengthen energy security and supply resilience, particularly given India’s reliance on imported LPG, by providing line-pack storage and enabling continuous product movement during supply disruptions, emergencies and periods of heightened demand. PNGRB is also pursuing the elimination of primary movement of LPG by road to bottling plants.

The Press Release dated 21.08.2026 can be accessed here.

PNGRB is conducting an Open House to finalise the Draft PNGRB (Third Party Conformity Assessment) Amendment Regulations, 2026

The PNGRB has, vide Public Notice dated 27.08.2026, announced an Open House with stakeholders on 01.09.2026 to finalise the Draft PNGRB (Third Party Conformity Assessment) Amendment Regulations, 2026 (“Draft Regulations”). 

The Draft Regulations were notified by PNGRB vide Public Notice dated 29.05.2026 and comments were invited from stakeholders. The Draft Regulations propose a comprehensive framework for audits and compliance monitoring of Petroleum and Natural Gas infrastructure. It expands the scope to cover refineries, pipelines, LNG / LPG facilities, CGD networks, retail outlets and road transportation of petroleum products.

The Public Notice dated 27.08.2026 can be accessed here. The Draft Regulations can be accessed here.

CERC determines generic tariff for specified renewable energy projects for FY 2026–27

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (“CERC”), vide its Order dated 23.08.2026 in suo moto proceedings, Petition No. 12/SM/2026, has determined the levellised generic tariff for FY 2026–27, being the third year of the Control Period under the CERC (Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations, 2024.

The determination covers Small Hydro Projects, Biomass Power Projects, Non-Fossil Fuel-based Cogeneration Projects, Biomass Gasifier-based Power Projects, Biogas-based Power Projects and Refuse-Derived Fuel-based Municipal Solid Waste Projects. CERC has retained the existing normative capital cost parameters, finding them to be representative of prevailing market conditions, while applying the prescribed escalation to normative O&M expenses and applicable fuel costs for FY 2026-27. The determination establishes the generic tariff benchmarks for eligible renewable energy projects commissioned during FY 2026–27, providing tariff certainty to project developers and procurers.

A copy of the Order can be viewed here.

GERC issues the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) (Sixth Amendment) Regulations, 2026

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (“GERC”) has notified the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) (Sixth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, (“Amended Regulations”) dated 19.08.2026 vide Notification No. 07 of 2026. The amendments to the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024 (“Principal Regulations”) have been made in exercise of powers conferred under Sections 39, 40, 42, 61 and 86 r/w. Section 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

Under the amended Regulation 1(4), the Banking Charge has been fixed at a rate of Rs 1.00 per unit, effective from 1^st September 2026 up to 31^st March 2027. Thereafter, the Banking Charges for the period starting from 1^st April 2027 onwards shall be determined as per the provisions of Regulation 17.6 of the Regulations, as amended from time to time. The amended Regulation 17.6(viii) provides that the banking charges computed per the methodology in Annexure-I, based on data provided by the Distribution Licensees, shall remain applicable till 31^st March 2027; thereafter, the banking charge for each financial year starting from 1^st April 2027 shall be determined based on data/information for the immediately preceding calendar year, to be provided by the Distribution Licensees. 

Annexure-I to the Regulations sets out the step-by-step methodology for computation of Banking Charges, computed as the ratio of aggregate net revenue impact on the Distribution Licensee to the total banked energy, using actual 15-minute block data of injection and consumption, market prices, variable generation costs, transmission charges and applicable losses, with the banking period fixed at one calendar month and cumulative banking capped at 30% of the consumer’s total monthly energy consumption.

A copy of the Amended Regulations can be viewed here.

GERC invites RFP for Assistance in Finalisation of Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) Regulations, 2026

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (“GERC”) has issued a Request for Proposal (“RFP”), dated 17.08.2026, inviting proposals/bids from consultancy firms to provide assistance for finalisation of the GERC (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Intra-State Transmission System) Regulations, 2026. The objective of the assignment is to develop and put in place a structured, comprehensive regulatory framework for implementation of Connectivity and General Network Access (“GNA”) at the Intra-State level, providing a single, fungible, non-discriminatory quantum-based access to the Intra-State Transmission System in place of the multiplicity of access products under the existing open-access regime, and harmonising the State framework with the CERC GNA Regulations, 2022, the IEGC, 2023, and the GERC State Grid Code and Open Access Regulations.

The scope of work requires the Consultant to review the existing Intra-State Open Access framework, map the present categories of network users, assess the current status of transmission capacity and connectivity queue, study the CERC GNA Regulations and IEGC provisions, benchmark practices adopted by other State Commissions, and prepare a detailed Concept/Approach Paper covering quantification of GNA and connectivity, eligibility and application processes, the commercial framework for transmission charges, losses, billing and settlement, and treatment of renewable energy, storage and prosumers. The Consultant is also required to design a time-bound transition mechanism for migrating existing LTA/MTOA/STOA and open-access customers to the GNA regime and to assist the Commission through public consultation up to finalisation of the Regulations. The assignment is to be completed within three months from the date of the Letter of Award, with payments of 10%, 25%, 25% and 40% linked to signing of the agreement, submission of the concept paper and draft Regulations, submission of the draft Statement of Reasons, and finalisation of the Regulations and SoR, respectively. Bidders are required to meet prescribed eligibility criteria, including at least ten years of experience in providing consultancy services to electricity regulators, prior completion of at least four such assignments, a minimum turnover of Rs 5 crores in each of the last three financial years, and a qualified team including a Project Director, Project Manager, Regulatory Experts and Project Executives; bids are to be evaluated on a Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) basis, with technical and financial bids carrying 70% and 30% weightage respectively.

Bids complete in all respects are required to be submitted to the Office of the Commission on or before 07.09.2026, up to 18:00 hours IST. A copy of the RFP can be viewed here.

KERC has invited comments, suggestions and objections to the Draft KERC (Electricity Supply) Regulations, 2026

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (“KERC”) has notified the Draft KERC (Electricity Supply) Regulations, 2026 dated 14.08.2026 with the objective of consolidating and streamlining the regulatory framework governing electricity supply in the State. 

The draft proposes to repeal and replace six existing instruments – (i) KERC (Electricity Supply) Code, 2004, (ii) KERC (Recovery of Expenditure for Supply of Electricity) Regulations, 2004, (iii) KERC (Interest on Security Deposit) Regulations, 2005, (iv) KERC (Procedures for filing Appeal before the Appellate Authority) Regulations, 2005, (v) Conditions of Supply of Electricity of Distribution Licensees in the State of Karnataka, 2006, and (vi) KERC (Security Deposit) Regulations, 2007.

The draft Regulations comprehensively address matters relating inter alia to new connections, assessment and modification of sanctioned load, metering and billing, disconnection and reconnection, security deposits, tariff classification and unauthorised use. The draft Regulations also introduce a structured framework for Initial and Additional Security Deposits, including annual review of the deposits, with provision for refund of excess deposits and interest on security deposits.

The comments, suggestions and objections can be submitted within 30 days from publication of the draft notification in the Gazette.

The Draft Regulations can be accessed here.

MPERC issues SOP for renewable energy banking under GEOA

The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (“MPERC”) vide its Order dated 17.08.2026 has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for banking surplus renewable energy by Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) consumers in Madhya Pradesh. The SOP lays down the procedure for how surplus renewable power can be banked with the distribution system and subsequently drawn by eligible consumers. It provides a defined framework for banking, scheduling, utilisation and settlement of such energy, following MPERC’s earlier direction to MPPMCL to prepare a detailed procedure in consultation with the State Discoms, SLDC and MPPTCL.

Under the SOP, energy banked in a given month shall be allowed to be utilised/ drawn within the immediately succeeding two months, after which any unused balance will lapse. Banking is capped at 30% of the consumer’s monthly Discom consumption, subject to technical feasibility, and an 8% in-kind banking charge will be deducted from the surplus energy at the time of banking. Energy accounting and drawal will be carried out in 15-minute time blocks, with specific rules for peak and off-peak energy. The SOP also provides for scheduling requirements, priority adjustment of older banked energy, a limited extension of one banking cycle per financial year, and a seven-day cure period for defaults. Overall, the framework provides greater certainty for renewable energy developers and C&I consumers on the use and economics of surplus power under GEOA, while making accurate forecasting, scheduling and timely utilisation important to avoid energy lapsing.

A copy of the Order can be viewed here.

TGERC has closed long-pending dispute concerning power dues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh DISCOMS

The Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (“TGERC”) has, vide order dated 28.08.2026 in O.P. No. 59/2018, closed the proceedings initiated by the Telangana DISCOMs concerning power-supply dues and other financial claims arising from the bifurcation of the erstwhile State of Andhra Pradesh, for the time being. 

The dispute had arisen in the backdrop of insolvency proceedings initiated by Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (“APGENCO”) before the NCLT for recovery of power dues. The Telangana DISCOMs stated that, although they disputed APGENCO’s claims, they had provisionally paid Rs. 3,886 crores, subject to reconciliation and settlement. The Telangana DISCOMs also claimed amounts towards demerger-related liabilities, inter-corporate deposits, common loans, pension funds and investments, and claimed that Rs. 2,137.57 crores (approx.) was receivable after adjustment of mutual claims. On the other hand, APGENCO claimed principal dues of Rs. 3,441.78 crores (approx.), excluding late-payment surcharge.

The NCLT proceedings were subsequently withdrawn by APGENCO on 03.09.2020, after which the dispute became subject to proceedings before various forums. In view of these subsequent developments, TGERC held that the immediate cause for the dispute before it no longer survives and no effective or independent relief could be granted in the proceedings. Accordingly, TGERC closed the proceedings for the time being  without adjudicating the merits, jurisdiction or maintainability, with liberty to approach it again in case the situation arises.

The order dated 28.08.2026 can be accessed here.

TGERC has sought nominations for reconstitution of the State Advisory Committee

The TGERC has issued a Public Notice dated 29.08.2026 seeking nominations for the reconstitution of the State Advisory Committee (“SAC”). The reconstitution is being undertaken in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 87 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (“Electricity Act”), read with the TGERC Regulation No. 4 of 2015 concerning the constitution and functioning of the SAC.

The reconstituted SAC is intended to represent the interests of various stakeholders, including commerce, industry, transport, agriculture, labour, electricity consumers, NGOs in the electricity sector, and academic and research bodies in the electricity sector. The term of the members of the SAC will be governed by TGERC Regulation No. 4 of 2015. 

As stipulated under Section 88 of the Electricity Act, the SAC is intended to advise the Commission on major questions of policy, matters relating to the quality, continuity and extent of services provided by licensees, compliance by licensees with the conditions and requirements of their licences, protection of consumer interest, and electricity supply and overall standards of performance by utilities.

TGERC has invited nominations from reputed and interested institutions, organisations, federations, forums, associations, NGOs, unions and other stakeholders, on or before 05.09.2026.

The Public Notice dated 29.08.2026 can be accessed here.