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ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access) — documents, timeline & process
R1 · Pre-development approvals · ~90 days (indicative)
Your application to CTUIL for the right to inject power into the national interstate grid — the first gate for any large CTU-connected project.
Online application, 7-day scrutiny, CMETS scheme evolution, in-principle then final grant, BGs and Connectivity Agreement within 1 month, Transmission Delivery Document before physical connection.
Solar PV (ground-mounted)WindHybrid (solar + wind)Standalone BESS
Statutory basis & authority
| Statutory basis | CERC Connectivity & GNA Regulations 2022 (amended up to 3rd Amendment, 31-Aug-2025); CTUIL Detailed Procedure (rev. Apr-2026) |
|---|---|
| Authority | CTUIL — application via NSWS portal; RLDC/NLDC for T-GNA |
| Department | CTUIL (Central Transmission Utility) |
| Indicative timeline | ~90 days (verify with the authority) |
| Fees | Application fee + Conn-BG1 ₹50 lakh; Conn-BG3 ₹2 lakh/MW; Reg 5.8 BG in lieu of land ₹10 lakh/MW |
Documents required
- Online application on NSWS + application fee
- Land documents — registered title/lease for 50% of land for applied capacity (or LOA/PPA)
- Promoter and shareholding details
- Generation profile
- Conn-BG1 ₹50 lakh, Conn-BG3 ₹2 lakh/MW (Conn-BG2 per bay/ATS cost — waivers per 3rd Amendment)
When is this required?
- CTU/ISTS connectivity: Project type: Solar PV (ground-mounted) / Wind / Hybrid (solar + wind) / Standalone BESS; Connectivity level: CTU (ISTS national grid)
Solarian expert note
Substation margin exhaustion and bay construction lag are the usual delays. SECI bidders: connectivity is a condition precedent — sequence GNA immediately after LOA. ISTS waiver/GNA norms apply — verify current position. ⚑
Frequently asked questions
What is ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access)?
Your application to CTUIL for the right to inject power into the national interstate grid — the first gate for any large CTU-connected project.
How long does ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access) take?
Around 90 days as an indicative planning figure. Actual timelines vary by authority workload and application quality — verify with the concerned authority.
Which authority grants ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access)?
CTUIL — application via NSWS portal; RLDC/NLDC for T-GNA. Department: CTUIL (Central Transmission Utility).
What documents are required for ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access)?
Online application on NSWS + application fee; Land documents — registered title/lease for 50% of land for applied capacity (or LOA/PPA); Promoter and shareholding details; Generation profile; Conn-BG1 ₹50 lakh, Conn-BG3 ₹2 lakh/MW (Conn-BG2 per bay/ATS cost — waivers per 3rd Amendment).
When is ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access) required?
Project type: Solar PV (ground-mounted) / Wind / Hybrid (solar + wind) / Standalone BESS; Connectivity level: CTU (ISTS national grid).
Related approvals in this phase
- STU connectivity & evacuation approval
- Discom feasibility approval & registration
- Net-metering / interconnection agreement
- Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines)
See also: all approvals · glossary of terms · state roadmaps
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Indicative guidance from the RegNav knowledge base, expert-verified by Solarian. Not legal advice — always verify with the concerned authority.