MNRE to Treat Lockdown as Force Majeure

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has said that the renewable energy implementing agencies may grant extension of time for RE projects on account of lockdown due to COVID-19, equivalent to the period of lockdown and additional 30 days for normalisation, after end of such lockdown.

In an order issued on April 17, the ministry noted that the extension will be for the period of lockdown plus 30 days. This will be a blanket extension with no requirement of case-to-case examination. There will be no need to ask for any evidence for extension due to lockdown.

The ministry has also said that all renewable energy implementing agencies of MNRE will treat lockdown due to COVID-19 as force majeure.

Referring to the renewable energy departments, including agencies under power or energy departments of states but dealing in renewable energy, the ministry has asked them that they may also treat lockdown due to COVID-19 as force majeure and may consider granting appropriate time extension on account of such lockdown.

The decision was taken after renewable energy developers represented to the ministry that they may be granted a general time extension on account of lock down and additional time required for normalisation after such lockdown.