Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), in its order dated December 1, 2022, has granted ISTS transmission licence to Powergrid Neemuch Transmission Ltd.
Powergrid Neemuch Transmission Ltd (PNTL, originally known as Neemuch Transmission Ltd) is developing an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme officially termed as “Transmission system for evacuation of power from Neemuch solar energy zone” on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis. The project covers two adjacent states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
CERC’s grant of licence follows the recommendation by Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) to the same effect, made on September 28, 2022.
As per the standard procedure, PNTL is expected to file a public notice seeking objections/suggestions, which are expected to be placed before CERC by December 15, 2022.
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) won the said Neemuch transmission scheme by quoting an annual levelized tariff of Rs.78.378 crore. According to information available, PGCIL got the better of four other contenders in the final e-reverse auction, which included Adani Transmission, Apraava Energy, Tata Power and GR Infraprojects. In the final stage, price bids varied from Rs.78.378 crore (L1) to Rs.103.970 crore (L5).
Important timelines
- January 28, 2022: Bid process coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) initiates the bid process.
- June 16, 2022: Nine bidders qualify for submitting non-financial bids
- June 30, 2022: Five bidders qualify to participate in e-reverse auction
- July 4, 2022: PGCIL emerges as the successful bidder
- July 7, 2022: PGCIL receives letter of intent from RECPDCL
- August 24, 2022: PGCIL acquires 100 per cent equity in project SPV “Neemuch Transmission Ltd” that is later renamed to “Powergrid Neemuch Transmission Ltd”
- August 24, 2022: PNTL enters into transmission service agreement with CTUIL
- August 31, 2022: PNTL files petition for grant of transmission licence to CERC
- September 28, 2022: CTUIL recommends grant of transmission licence to CERC
- December 1, 2022: CERC grants transmission licence to PNTL
Also read: CERC Grants Transmission Licence To PBTSL Under RTM Mode
Project scope
The overall project, which is expected to commission by February 2024, is expected to cost around Rs.547 crore. The important project elements are:
- 2×500 MVA, 400/220kV pooling station (AIS) at Neemuch in Singoli tehsil, Madhya Pradesh
- 400kV double-circuit line from Neemuch PS to Chittorgarh substation (Rajasthan) [234 km]
- 400kV double-circuit line from Neemuch PS to Mandsaur substation (MP) [117 km]
- Two 400kV line bays at Mandsaur substation
According to information available, survey work for both the transmission lines and land acquisition for the Neemuch pooling station is underway. Land for the two 400kV line bays is already available. EPC contractors KEC International Ltd and Transrail Lighting Ltd have been appointed for the transmission line component.
Featured photograph for representation only
