The framework of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges still remains subject to the regulations framed by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) in 2020, including the amendments made thereto. As per the latest amendment notified on June 26, 2025, the provisions relating to the waiver of ISTS charges have been extended to certain categories of renewable energy and energy storage projects.

The regulations relating to the grid connectivity of such projects are framed by the CERC regulations on Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), which have been notified in 2022 and subsequently amended from time to time. The timelines and procedures for the grant of connectivity are prescribed by the regulations, with the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) being the nodal agency for the grant of access.

It was also stated that the development of renewable energy production projects and the relevant transmission infrastructure is being reviewed periodically through Joint Coordination Committee meetings held quarterly by the CTU.

Furthermore, the monitoring of the transmission system is being done at various levels by the Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). It was also stated that the CTU was directed to monitor the critical transmission infrastructure on a monthly basis with the support of the developers of the transmission and the generation infrastructure.

CTU, working together with CEA and Grid-India (TransCo) to identify interim solutions to evacuate renewable energy before the needed transmission infrastructure is completed.

The Green Energy Corridor scheme has been established to support grid integration through multiple initiatives, including building transmission lines necessary for the evacuation of renewable energy.

Additionally, CEA has developed a roadmap to integrate over 500 GW of renewable energy capacity into our power grid by the end of 2030.

In addition, advance transmission planning for the future is being undertaken under the National Electricity Plan (Transmission), notified in October 2024.

Under the existing regulatory framework, ISTS charges are apportioned to identified customers who draw power from the grid and are not related to the cost of generation of the renewable energy project. The Electricity Act of 2003 mandates the CTU to facilitate the development of an efficient and coordinated transmission system in the country.

Even though all these steps are aimed at facilitating the development of renewable energy resources, the success of these measures will largely depend upon the coordination of various agencies to develop the transmission infrastructure.