As India targets 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA) has urged a phased and milestone-based withdrawal of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver.

Currently scheduled for a 25% annual reduction starting July 1, 2025, the rollback could hinder ongoing renewable projects, deter investments, and raise costs for commercial and industrial consumers. EPTA proposes a 10% annual reduction and a 6–9 month waiver extension for projects meeting key milestones like financial closure and 50% land acquisition. This aligns with waiver extensions already granted to pumped hydro and battery storage projects. EPTA also emphasized the need to boost domestic 765 kV HVDC manufacturing under the PLI scheme due to import constraints. Highlighting over $100 billion in upcoming transmission investment, EPTA referenced strategic initiatives like the Andaman-Paradip offshore line under the One Sun, One World, One Grid plan, envisioning future cross-border power connectivity with Singapore and the UAE.