Solar & wind project approvals in Tamil Nadu — complete regulatory roadmap
Everything a developer, EPC or industrial consumer needs to navigate Tamil Nadu's power-project approvals: the state agencies, open-access and banking rules, net-metering caps, land rules and the state-specific steps layered on top of national approvals.
Key agencies in Tamil Nadu
| State Transmission Utility (STU) | Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Ltd (TANTRANSCO) |
|---|---|
| Distribution companies (discoms) | TANGEDCO (TNPDCL) |
| State nodal agency (RE) | Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) |
| Electricity regulator | Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) |
| Electrical safety (CEIG) | Chief Electrical Inspectorate, Government of Tamil Nadu (Chennai) — verify the jurisdictional office |
Open access, banking & net metering in Tamil Nadu
Green energy open access
TNERC GEOA 2025 for ≥100 kW; additional surcharge ₹0.54/kWh.
Banking
MONTHLY banking cycle only (annual banking abolished Oct-2025), 8% in kind.
Net metering
Rooftop net metering capped around 1000 kW per current state regulation — verify with the discom.
Worth knowing
Network charges apply on net metering (HT ₹1.04/unit) — struck down for captive behind-the-meter industrial users by the Madras High Court, refunds pending.
Land rules
Tamil Nadu land conversion via district revenue offices; SIPCOT parks follow separate rules — verify current requirements. See the national guides for land-use conversion and land title & government allotment.
Approvals with Tamil Nadu-specific procedures
- STU connectivity & evacuation approval — For projects connecting within one state's grid — connectivity approval from the state transmission utility,…
- Net-metering / interconnection agreement — The agreement letting you export solar power to the grid and offset your bill — capacity caps and tariffs…
- Land title, lease & government land allotment — Securing clear legal rights over the project land — purchase/lease of private land or allotment of…
- Land-use / NA (non-agricultural) conversion — Converting agricultural land for project use — several launch states now exempt solar entirely, others have…
- CEIG approvals — drawings, inspection & charging (3-touch) — Safety sign-off on your electrical installation in three touches: drawings approved before you build,…
- State nodal agency registration & single window — Registering your project with the state's renewable-energy nodal agency and single-window portal — the entry…
- Green energy open access & banking approvals — The approvals to wheel green power to a consumer over the grid — GEOA registration, SLDC/discom concurrence…
National approvals that apply in Tamil Nadu
- ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access)
- Land title, lease & government land allotment
- Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines)
- Right of Way (RoW) compensation process
- CEIG approvals — drawings, inspection & charging (3-touch)
- SLDC/RLDC first-time charging & synchronization
Browse all 32 approvals, or generate the exact list for your project:
Map my project's full approval roadmap →Should my business switch to green power?
Frequently asked questions
Who is the State Transmission Utility (STU) in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Ltd (TANTRANSCO). Intra-state (InSTS) connectivity applications for utility-scale projects are made to TANTRANSCO.
Which agency handles renewable energy approvals in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) is the state nodal agency; the state regulator is Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC).
What are the open access rules in Tamil Nadu?
TNERC GEOA 2025 for ≥100 kW; additional surcharge ₹0.54/kWh. Verify the currently applicable regulation with TNERC.
What are the banking rules for green energy in Tamil Nadu?
MONTHLY banking cycle only (annual banking abolished Oct-2025), 8% in kind. Banking rules change frequently — verify with the discom/TNERC.
What is the net-metering cap in Tamil Nadu?
Rooftop net metering is capped around 1000 kW per the state regulation — verify the current cap and any network charges with the discom.
State rules change frequently. This page reflects the RegNav knowledge base — indicative guidance, not legal advice. Verify with TNERC, TANTRANSCO and the concerned departments.