Power Sector News Roundup for May 7, 2026
CERC proposes capacity market framework to ensure resource adequacy
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has released a staff paper proposing a capacity market framework for India’s electricity sector to ensure resource adequacy, improve availability during system stress, and shift dispatch and pricing towards market-based mechanisms. The paper outlines three market design options, including a Resource Adequacy (RA) Obligation Capacity Market, a Reserve Capacity Market, and a Secondary Short-Term Capacity Market for existing assets. The framework is designed to be technology-agnostic, with renewable energy projects expected to participate through storage-backed firm capacity. Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments by May 27, 2026.
CERC proposes one-time exit for stranded RE transmission connectivity
CERC has issued a draft order proposing a one-time mechanism for renewable energy projects holding inter-state transmission system connectivity without signed PPAs. The proposal introduces three options, including retention of connectivity with revised timelines, substitution with another PPA-linked LoA, or complete surrender with return of bank guarantees. Connectivity surrendered under the framework will be reallocated or auctioned by the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL). Stakeholders can submit comments by May 21, 2026, and CERC has directed implementing agencies and CTUIL to provide project and connectivity details.
UP shifts smart meters from prepaid to postpaid mode
The Uttar Pradesh government has discontinued the prepaid mode of smart electricity meters and directed that all smart meters operate in postpaid mode following consumer complaints over technical issues. The move affects around 8.3 million prepaid smart meters out of 8.65 million smart meter users in the state. Consumers will now receive monthly bills via SMS or WhatsApp, while pending dues can be cleared in up to ten instalments. The state has also temporarily halted the replacement of legacy meters with smart prepaid meters and prioritised complaint resolution ahead of peak summer demand.
CERC proposes shorter 50-minute timeline for real-time power market
CERC has issued a discussion paper proposing to reduce the scheduling timeline in India’s real-time electricity market (RTM) from 75 minutes to 50 minutes. The proposal includes shortening the RTM bidding window from 15 minutes to 5 minutes and reducing post-clearing processes from 45 minutes to 30 minutes through automation. The Commission said the move is intended to improve demand-supply matching, reduce forecasting errors, and limit renewable energy curtailment. Stakeholders can submit comments by May 28, 2026.
Andhra Pradesh clears DDL framework for Google data centre
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a deemed distribution licence (DDL) framework for strategic data centres, including the upcoming Google data centre in Visakhapatnam. The policy allows eligible data centres with a minimum connected load of 300 MW to procure power from lawful sources and develop distribution networks within approved areas. DDL holders can source power through bilateral PPAs, open access, captive renewable projects, and power exchanges. The move aligns with the State’s efforts to attract data centre investments, including the proposed $15 billion Google Cloud India AI Hub in Anakapalli district.
SPML Infra wins Rs 1,128 crore NTPC battery storage project in Bihar
SPML Infra Limited has secured a Rs 1,128 crore contract from NTPC Limited for a 1 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Barauni Thermal Power Station in Bihar. The project includes a 250 MW / 1,000 MWh BESS along with associated switchyard and grid infrastructure, with implementation scheduled over 18 months and operation and maintenance for 15 years. The project forms part of NTPC’s broader 2.670 GWh BESS tender covering seven thermal power stations. SPML Infra said the award marks its entry into large-scale grid-connected battery storage.
CG Power posts strong Q4 and record FY26 performance
CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited reported strong growth for the quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. Consolidated Q4 FY26 revenue rose 25% to Rs 3,441.8 crore, while net profit increased 33.4% to Rs 365.5 crore. For FY26, consolidated sales grew 25% to Rs 12,418 crore and the consolidated unexecuted order backlog rose 61% year-on-year to Rs 17,107 crore. During the year, the company secured major transformer orders from PowerGrid Corporation and a US-based hyperscale data centre client, completed a Rs 3,000 crore Qualified Institutional Placement, and advanced semiconductor and switchgear expansion projects.
KPI Green Energy reports strong FY26 growth on capacity expansion
KPI Green Energy Limited reported strong financial and operational growth for FY26, supported by renewable energy capacity additions. Consolidated total income increased 56% to Rs 2,742 crore, while EBITDA rose 73% to Rs 1,006 crore and PAT grew 57% to Rs 509 crore. The company’s total portfolio reached about 6.26 GW, including 1.62 GW installed and 4.64 GW under execution. During the year, KPI Green Energy also obtained electricity trading licences from CERC and GERC and expanded into green hydrogen, ammonia, battery energy storage systems, and solar panel cleaning robotics.
UP approves higher compensation for land under transmission towers
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved revised compensation for agricultural land affected by high-tension transmission towers and overhead lines. Farmers will receive double compensation for land directly beneath tower bases and 30% of land value for areas affected by transmission corridors. The government said the revised framework increases compensation by an estimated 21% to 33% compared to existing provisions. The policy aims to improve farmer participation and ease implementation of transmission projects.
GK Energy secures Rs 354 crore solar pump order from MSEDCL
GK Energy Limited has received a Letter of Empanelment from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for 15,000 off-grid DC solar photovoltaic water pumping systems. The order, valued at about Rs 353.89 crore including GST, will be executed under the ‘Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump’ Yojana under the PM Kusum B Scheme. The scope includes design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of systems in 3 HP, 5 HP, and 7.5 HP capacities. Installation of each system is to be completed within 60 days from the Work Order or Notice to Proceed.
Waaree Energies signs PPA with SECI for 300 MW wind project
Waaree Energies Limited has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) for a 300 MW wind power project in Dwarka, Gujarat. The agreement was executed through its wholly-owned step-down subsidiary, Waaree Forever Energies Four Private Limited, on May 6, 2026. The PPA follows the earlier Letter of Award issued by SECI for the project. The development marks progress in Waaree Energies’ expansion into the wind energy segment.
Oswal Pumps secures Rs 162 crore solar pump order from MSEDCL
Oswal Pumps Limited has received a Letter of Empanelment from MSEDCL for the supply and installation of 6,869 off-grid solar photovoltaic water pumping systems under the PM Kusum B Scheme. The project, valued at about Rs 162.06 crore including GST, will be executed across Maharashtra within one year. The contract includes installation, testing, commissioning, warranty, repair and maintenance, and remote monitoring services for five years. The company said the systems will support farming households by reducing dependence on grid electricity and diesel-based irrigation.
Rajasthan issues SOP for BESS first-time charging under RE policy
Rajasthan has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the First Time Charging (FTC) of Battery Energy Storage Systems integrated with renewable energy projects under the Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024. The framework applies to commissioned and upcoming projects, including captive and other categories. Developers are required to conduct specified tests and simulations and submit compliance reports aligned with Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Grid Connectivity Standards. The SOP has been issued in continuation of an earlier office letter dated January 7, 2026.
ACME Solar commissions 8 MW wind project in Gujarat
ACME Solar Holdings Limited has commissioned an 8 MW wind power project in Gujarat through its subsidiary, ACME Eco Clean Energy Private Limited. The project received the Certificate of Commissioning from Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) on May 5, 2026. Located at Village Titoda in Taluka Sayla of Surendranagar district, the project expands ACME Solar’s renewable energy portfolio. The commissioning reflects the company’s diversification into wind energy generation alongside solar power.