Author: PPD Team Date: 11/04/2025
AERC directs APDCL to revisit ceiling tariff for 15 MW solar project to protect consumer interest
The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has directed Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) to re-evaluate the proposed ceiling tariff of ₹3.92/kWh for its 15 MW grid-connected ground-mounted solar PV project at Bamgaon, Sonitpur district. The directive follows concerns over the impact of high tariffs on consumers.
APDCL had filed a petition seeking approval for its Request for Selection (RfS) document, draft Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), and ceiling tariff for the project, which is to be developed under a Build-Own-Operate model through tariff-based competitive bidding and e-reverse auction.
Initially, AERC had instructed APDCL to set a ceiling tariff below ₹3.90/kWh. APDCL complied by publishing the RfS on December 16, 2024, with a tariff of ₹3.33/kWh. However, following poor bidder response and feedback from prospective developers regarding challenges such as low solar irradiance, rough terrain, and high logistics costs, the ceiling tariff was increased to ₹3.60/kWh and later proposed at ₹3.92/kWh — the same rate discovered in similar 50 MW and 70 MW projects at Borsola and Bilasipara in August 2023.
Despite multiple deadline extensions, APDCL received no bids, prompting them to request approval for the higher ceiling tariff. They cited logistical challenges, smaller project size (which increases per-unit costs), and risks like flooding due to the site’s proximity to a river without embankment.
The Commission acknowledged these difficulties but emphasized that the proposed ₹3.92/kWh rate, which excludes land cost for this project, is high compared to solar tariffs in other Indian states. AERC warned that approving such a rate could adversely affect consumer tariffs.
Consequently, the Commission directed APDCL to identify a more cost-effective location and strategy to minimize project cost and improve the utility’s power purchase profile. The petition was disposed of with this directive.
Petition No: 14/2024 | Read the full order here.
DERC dismisses petition for procurement of 150MW solar power under CPSU scheme
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has dismissed Petition No. 52 of 2022 filed by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) for the approval of the procurement of 150MW grid-connected solar power through SJVN Limited (SJVN) under the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme of the Government of India.
The petition was heard on 1st April 2025, where Ms. Kanika Agnihotri, counsel for the petitioner, requested to withdraw the petition due to its becoming infructuous. Following the request, the Commission dismissed the petition as withdrawn.
Petition No: 52 of 2022 | Read the full order here.
GERC amends green energy open access regulations with second amendment in 2025
The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has issued the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms & Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025, as per Notification No. 06 of 2025. This amendment modifies the earlier 2024 regulations, making updates to key provisions regarding banking charges and their applicability.
The amendment, which came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette, introduces changes to two critical areas:
- Banking Charges (Clause 17.6): The amended regulation sets the banking charge at Rs. 1.50 per unit, which will remain effective until September 30, 2025, or until the GERC issues a separate notification for revised charges.
- Effective Period for Banking Charges (Clause 1 (4)): The banking charges specified in Regulation 17.6 will be valid from the notification date until September 30, 2025, or until an earlier notification from the Commission.
These amendments are in alignment with the powers granted to GERC under Sections 39, 40, 42, 61, and 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Read the full order here.
HPERC sets solar PV tariffs for FY 2025–26
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has determined the generic levellised tariff for solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects for the financial year 2025–26. The tariffs are based on project size and location, with separate rates for industrial/urban areas and other areas. The tariffs range from Rs 3.32/kWh to Rs 3.50/kWh.
These tariffs apply to grid-connected solar PV projects using approved technologies such as polycrystalline silicon or Mono PERC. They exclude any capital subsidies or grants, though adjustments for subsidies at Rs 10 million per MW are indicated in the calculation sheets.
Projects must submit joint petitions for power purchase agreement (PPA) approval between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 and be commissioned by 31 March 2027 to be eligible. The tariff is not applicable for power procured through competitive bidding or from the Solar Energy Corporation of India, nor for net-metered rooftop or ground-mounted consumer projects.
A royalty of 5 paise per unit, as notified by the state government, will be payable to the Government of Himachal Pradesh in addition to the approved tariff.
Suo-Motu Petition No.: 01 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves PPA at Rs 3.10/kWh for Aghlor Solar Project, with conditions
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between HP State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL) and HP Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) for the 10 MW Aghlor Solar Power Project at a tariff of Rs 3.10 per kWh.
The project was initially allotted with a capacity of 17 MW, later revised to 10 MW by HIMURJA. Commissioning is pending finalization of the evacuation arrangement. HPERC allowed temporary connectivity options, including a solid tap on the 33 kV Una-Bangana line, subject to regulatory compliance.
The approved tariff includes a royalty of Rs 0.05 per unit to be paid to the Himachal Pradesh government, in line with the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy amendment effective from 21 September 2023.
HPSEBL and HPPCL must sign the PPA within 30 days. If HPPCL does not accept the tariff, it may sell power on exchanges. HPERC also directed that future solar power procurements above 5 MW by HPSEBL be through competitive bidding.
Petition No: 52 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves PPA for 500 kW R.R. Jaleria Solar Plant
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the HP State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL) and R.R. Jaleria Solar Plant for a 500 kW solar project located in Kangra district.
The project, provisionally registered by HIMURJA, is scheduled for synchronization and commissioning on 25 December 2025. The interconnection point will be at the 11 kV Jourbar feeder from the Dada Siba substation.
The approved tariff is Rs 3.50 per kWh, applicable to rural solar PV projects up to 1 MW for FY 2024–25. The tariff is provisional and subject to adjustment based on the subsidy availed. The tariff will remain valid up to 31 March 2026.
The Commission has directed both parties to sign the Connection Agreement within 15 days and finalize the PPA with the required additions within 30 days.
Petition No: 70 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
MPERC modifies RPO penalty on Indian Railways, revokes FY16 fine
The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) partially allowed a review petition by Indian Railways seeking relief from penalties imposed for non-compliance with Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) between FY2015-16 and FY2023-24.
The Commission had earlier directed Indian Railways to procure Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) by 19 December 2024 and imposed a penalty of Rs 8,00,000 for nine years of non-compliance. In response, Indian Railways filed a petition citing procedural lapses, financial constraints, and natural justice violations.
MPERC revoked the Rs 1,00,000 penalty imposed for FY2015-16 and directed the refund of the amount. However, obligations for FY2016-17 to FY2023-24 remain in force. Indian Railways has been granted an additional three months from 28 March 2025 to meet the pending RPO compliance.
Petition No: 75 of 2024 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves 1 MW solar PPA at ₹3.50/kWh for Ajay Solar Power Project in Kangra
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) and Ajay Solar Power Project for a 1000 kW solar PV project in Kangra district. The approval was granted under Section 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003, following a joint petition from both parties.
The project, located in a rural area in Katoi village, Jawalamukhi, will be connected to the grid via the 11 kV Amter–Bharoli feeder from the Nadaun Sub-Station. The interconnection and line infrastructure, including a 0.3 km dedicated 11 kV line, will be developed at the project developer’s cost. The Scheduled Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) for the project is set for February 17, 2026.
HPERC approved a provisional tariff of ₹3.50 per kWh, applicable to rural projects up to 1 MW as determined in its March 2024 tariff order. This tariff will be subject to adjustment if the developer receives any government subsidy. The Commission directed the developer to apply for subsidy immediately and notify HPSEBL upon its receipt. If no subsidy is claimed within two years, HPSEBL may adjust the tariff based on deemed benefit.
The Commission also ordered both parties to sign the Connection Agreement within 15 days and submit the final executed PPA within 30 days. The PPA will be governed by the HPERC RE Tariff Regulations, 2017, as amended.
Petition No: Case No. 71 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves PPA for 500 kW Jamli Solar Plant at ₹3.50/kWh in Bilaspur
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) and Jamli Solar Plant for a 500 kW solar photovoltaic project located in Jamli village, Bilaspur district.
The approval was granted under Section 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003, following a joint petition by the two parties. The project will be connected through the existing 11 kV Chharol feeder from the Jabli Sub-station, and the connection agreement was already executed on March 21, 2025.
According to the joint petition, the project qualifies for the rural area tariff of ₹3.50 per kWh, as per HPERC’s tariff order dated March 14, 2024, which applies to solar projects up to 1 MW located in non-industrial, non-urban areas. The tariff is provisional and subject to adjustment based on any capital subsidy received by the developer.
The Scheduled Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) is set for January 28, 2026, and the tariff will be applicable until March 31, 2026. The Commission directed the developer to apply for applicable government subsidies and inform HPSEBL within 15 days of receipt.
The PPA must be executed within 30 days with all required documentation and alterations. The agreement will be governed by HPERC’s Renewable Energy Tariff Regulations, 2017, and related orders.
The Commission approved the PPA at ₹3.50/kWh, subject to subsidy adjustment, and directed timely execution and compliance.
Petition No: Case No. 72 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves PPA for 1 MW Shashi Pal Solar Power Project at ₹3.50/kWh in Una
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) and Shashi Pal Solar Power Project for a 1 MW solar PV plant located in Bharolian Kalan, Una district.
The project, approved under Section 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003, and governed by HPERC’s Conduct of Business Regulations, 2024, is scheduled for synchronization on December 31, 2025. It will be connected through the 11 kV Santokhgarh feeder emanating from the Rakkar (Una) Sub-station, as per a connection agreement signed on March 19, 2025.
In line with HPERC’s order dated March 14, 2024, the project qualifies for the generic levellised tariff of ₹3.50 per kWh for rural solar PV projects up to 1 MW. This tariff will remain applicable until March 31, 2026, and is subject to adjustment based on any capital subsidy received. The Commission emphasized that the developer must apply for applicable subsidies and report any financial assistance to HPSEBL within 15 days of receipt.
The project falls under the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021, which mandates HPSEBL to procure solar power from projects up to 5 MW commissioned by March 31, 2030, at the applicable HPERC-approved tariff.
HPERC approved the PPA with a provisional tariff of ₹3.50/kWh, subject to subsidy adjustments, and directed the parties to submit the executed PPA within 30 days.
Petition No: Case No. 73 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves PPA for 1 MW RARV Solar Project at ₹3.50/kWh
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a 1 MW solar power project developed by RARV Solar Power Project in Fatehpur, Kangra district. The joint petition, filed with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL), was approved under Section 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003.
The project, located in a rural area and provisionally registered by HIMURJA, is scheduled for synchronization on January 18, 2026. As per the feasibility report issued by HPSEBL, the interconnection point will be at the existing 11 kV Dhameta feeder from the 33/11 kV Fatehpur Sub-station, using a solid tap connection. While the connection agreement had not yet been signed at the time of the order, the parties committed to executing it within 15 days.
HPERC approved a levellised tariff of ₹3.50 per kWh, applicable to rural solar PV projects up to 1 MW, as per its March 14, 2024 order. The tariff is provisional and subject to downward revision if the project receives any capital subsidy from the state or central government. This rate will remain valid until March 31, 2026.
The Commission directed that the signed connection agreement and the rural area undertaking be incorporated into the PPA, which must be finalized and submitted within 30 days. The decision aligns with the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021, which mandates procurement of solar power up to 5 MW by HPSEBL if commissioned by March 31, 2030.
Petition No: Case No. 74 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves solar power PPA for Lakhwinder Singh Solar Power Project
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) and Lakhwinder Singh Solar Power Project for a 5 MW solar photovoltaic plant located in the rural area of Kungrath village, Una district.
Filed under Section 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003, the petition sought regulatory consent for the PPA. The project, which received provisional registration from HIMURJA, is slated for synchronization and commissioning on December 18, 2025. Power from evacuated jointly with the Ramandeep Kaur Solar Power Project through the project will be 33/11 kV Tahliwal Substation.
The Commission has approved a generic levellized tariff of ₹3.47 per kWh for the project, applicable until March 31, 2026, based on its rural location and capacity classification of above 1 MW and up to 5 MW. This tariff is provisional and subject to adjustment based on any capital subsidy received.
In accordance with the amended Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021, a royalty of ₹0.05 per unit generated will be payable to the Himachal Pradesh government over and above the approved tariff. The Commission has mandated the inclusion of specific agreements and affidavits in the final PPA and directed that the agreement be executed and submitted within 30 days.
Petition No: Case No. 75 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves PPA for 2 MW Jagdambey solar project at ₹3.47/kWh
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) and Sh. Jagdambey Solar Energy Power Project for a 2 MW solar PV project located in Una district. The approval was granted under Section 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and relevant HPERC regulations.
The project, situated in the rural area of Village Duhal Bhatwalan in Tehsil Amb, is scheduled for commissioning on December 29, 2025. The interconnection will be made at the 11 kV Bharwain feeder from the 33/11 kV Bharwain Sub-station, as per the connection agreement signed on March 22, 2025.
HPERC has approved a provisional tariff of ₹3.47 per kWh for the project, in accordance with its order dated March 14, 2024. This rate applies to rural solar projects above 1 MW and up to 5 MW and will be valid until March 31, 2026, subject to adjustment for any capital subsidy availed.
In line with the amended Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021, the project will also be subject to a royalty of ₹0.05 per unit, payable to the Government of Himachal Pradesh over and above the approved tariff. This royalty will be a pass-through cost for the developer.
The petitioners have been directed to execute the final PPA incorporating all necessary conditions and submit it to the Commission within 30 days.
Petition No: 54 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves PPA for 500 kW Mankotia solar project at ₹3.50/kWh
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) and Mankotia Solar Power Project for a 500 kW solar PV plant located in Kangra district.
The project, situated in the rural village of Seul Khad in Tehsil Dada Siba, received prior approvals from HIMURJA and is scheduled for synchronization on January 22, 2026. It will be connected via the 11 kV Seul Khad feeder from the 33/11 kV Dada Siba Sub-station, as confirmed in the connection agreement dated March 25, 2025.
The Commission approved a provisional levellised tariff of ₹3.50 per kWh, applicable to rural solar projects up to 1 MW, as per its tariff order dated March 14, 2024. This tariff will be valid until March 31, 2026, and is subject to downward adjustment if the developer receives capital subsidy from government schemes.
The Commission noted that under the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021, HPSEBL is mandated to purchase power from solar PV projects up to 5 MW commissioned by March 31, 2030. The final PPA must include the project’s rural status affidavit, the connection agreement, and a commitment by the developer to pursue applicable subsidies.
The joint petition was found to meet all regulatory criteria under Section 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003. The petitioners have been directed to execute and submit the final PPA to the Commission within 30 days.
Petition No: 56 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
HPERC approves PPA for 1 MW S&S Solar Project at ₹3.50/kWh
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has approved the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) and S&S Solar Power Project Unit-II for a 1 MW solar project located in Fatehpur, Kangra district.
The project, provisionally registered with HIMURJA, is set for synchronization and commissioning on January 18, 2026. It will be connected to the grid via the 11 kV Fatehpur-Dhameta feeder emanating from the 132/33/11 kV Fatehpur substation. The connection agreement was signed on March 22, 2025.
HPERC has approved a levellised tariff of ₹3.50 per kWh for the project, applicable under the Commission’s tariff order dated March 14, 2024, for rural solar PV projects up to 1 MW. The tariff is provisional and subject to adjustment based on any capital subsidy received by the developer. This rate remains valid until March 31, 2026.
According to the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021, all solar projects up to 5 MW commissioned by March 31, 2030, must be purchased by HPSEBL at HPERC-approved tariffs. The Commission also directed that key document including the rural area undertaking and connection agreement form part of the final PPA.
The joint petition was found to be in compliance with Section 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and relevant HPERC regulations. The petitioners are required to finalize and submit the executed PPA within 30 days for record.
Petition No: 63 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
CERC condones TPREL’s delay in submitting bank guarantees for 180 MW wind project
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has allowed a petition by Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), permitting a delayed submission of Connectivity Bank Guarantees (Con BGs) for its 180 MW wind project in Maharashtra. The order grants a relaxation in the timeline under CERC’s regulatory powers.
TPREL received in-principle connectivity approval on 12 November 2024, requiring the submission of Con BGs within one month. The company submitted the guarantees four days late, citing an internal oversight due to a change in personnel.
The Commission considered whether the delay, though minor, warranted relaxation of regulatory provisions. TPREL argued that the delay was unintentional and that strict enforcement would risk project viability.
The CERC accepted this argument and directed the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) to accept the submitted guarantees.
The details of the bank guarantees are as follows:
Bank Guarantee No. 0393NDLG00216125, issued on 13 December 2024, expires on 31 July 2026, with a claim expiry on 31 July 2027. The amount is Rs 5 million.
Bank Guarantee No. 0393NDLG00216025, also issued on 13 December 2024, expires on 31 January 2028, with a claim expiry on 31 January 2029. The amount is Rs 36 million.
Petition No: 89/MP/2025 | Read the full order here.
For more regulatory updates, read the latest orders covered on Power Peak Digest: Energy Regulatory Updates – Power Peak Digest
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