MNRE designates SECI as sole intermediary for new RE bids

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has directed that only the Solar Energy Corporation of India will act as the renewable energy implementing agency (REIA) for issuing new procurement bids as an intermediary procurer. Other agencies will continue to handle obligations only for bids already issued. The directive was issued through a letter dated April 6, 2026.

The decision follows a meeting held on February 25, 2026, chaired by the Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for New and Renewable Energy to review pending power sale agreements (PSAs) and power purchase agreements (PPAs) across REIAs. The communication, signed by Mohd Azmal Mansoori, Scientist ‘C’ at MNRE, also refers to the minutes of a subsequent meeting dated March 27, 2026.

The letter directs NTPC Limited, NHPC Limited, SJVN Limited, along with SECI, to review cases where bids have been issued but PSAs remain unsigned despite several months since the issuance of letters of award (LoA). These cases are to be classified into those where PSA execution is likely and those where it appears unlikely. For cases in the latter category, where developers have not applied for connectivity through eligible routes such as LoA route, land route, or land plus bank guarantee route, agencies have been asked to take appropriate action, including phased cancellation of LoAs in line with Standard Bidding Guidelines and tender provisions.

MNRE has also instructed that post-tender negotiations with developers or end-procurers for revising discovered tariffs should be discouraged. Before issuing new bids, REIAs and procurers are required to engage with states and end-procurers to assess demand, including peak requirements, so that tenders align with actual procurement needs. The ministry has also emphasised securing advance procurement commitments before bid issuance.

Further, REIAs have been directed not to include a Green Shoe option in bids without prior approval from the Appropriate Commission, as per provisions under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding Guidelines.

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