Assam Regulators Allow Return of Solar Project Bank Guarantee and Propose 33 kV Supply for Large Consumers

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has ordered the Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd. (CTUIL) to return a Rs 214 crore connectivity bank guarantee (Conn‑BG2) to the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. (APDCL). The guarantee was posted for a 750 MW inter‑state transmission line linked to a 1,000 MW solar project in Assam that was cancelled after the Asian Development Bank withdrew funding. CERC imposed conditions, including APDCL furnishing Rs 70 crore in cash or another guarantee as security for any future compensation claims.

Separately, the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has drafted a Ninth Amendment to the Electricity Supply Code, proposing that consumers with a connected load of 10,000–20,000 kVA may receive power at 33 kV via dedicated feeders without the existing 3 % low‑voltage surcharge. The amendment, pending public comment until 24 July 2026, requires beneficiaries to forgo open‑access procurement and to bear line‑loss costs. The change aims to utilize existing 33 kV infrastructure and avoid costly upgrades to higher‑voltage lines.