Author: PPD Team Date: 12/03/2025
CERC approves tariff for 1200 MW wind-solar hybrid projects under Tranche-VI
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has approved the tariff for 1200 MW of wind-solar hybrid power projects with assured peak power supply, selected through a competitive bidding process. The projects, part of Tranche-VI, were awarded to four developers: AMP Energy Green Private Limited, ReNew Vikram Shakti Private Limited, Hero Solar Energy Private Limited, and ACME Cleantech Solutions Private Limited.
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), the petitioner, had conducted the bidding process in accordance with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) guidelines. The e-reverse auction, held on April 12, 2023, resulted in tariffs ranging from Rs 4.64/kWh to Rs 4.73/kWh. SECI has already signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 600 MW of the total capacity and Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) with Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL).
The CERC, under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, adopted the discovered tariffs for the entire 1200 MW capacity, even though only 600 MW has been tied up under PPAs and PSAs. The remaining capacity is expected to be tied up soon, and SECI has been directed to submit the relevant agreements once finalized.
Additionally, the CERC approved a trading margin of Rs 0.07/kWh, as agreed in the PSAs. However, if SECI fails to provide the required payment security mechanisms, such as an irrevocable letter of credit, the trading margin will be capped at Rs 0.02/kWh, in line with the Trading Licence Regulations.
Petition No: 311/AT/2024 | Read the full order here.
CERC allows ACME Solar to withdraw review petition in connectivity dispute
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has permitted ACME Solar Holdings Limited (ASHL) and ACME Sikar Solar Private Limited (ASSPL) to withdraw their review petition seeking relief in a connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) dispute with the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL). The petition, filed under the Electricity Act, 2003, sought a review of the CERC’s order dated November 25, 2024, in Petition No. 326/MP/2024.
The petitioners had requested the commission to allow their solar project to be commissioned by March 31, 2025, or any future date when connectivity and GNA would become effective, without compensation. They also sought a refund of amounts paid under the previous order and 14% interest on the refunded amount. However, during the hearing on February 20, 2025, the petitioners’ counsel requested permission to withdraw the petition, reserving the right to file a new petition at an appropriate stage.
The CERC, considering the request, allowed the withdrawal and directed that the filing fees paid for the review petition be adjusted against any future petition filed by the petitioners. The commission disposed of the petition as withdrawn.
Petition No: 3/RP/2025 | Read the full order here.
CERC dismisses HPPC’s review petition on Teesta-III power scheduling
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has dismissed a review petition filed by Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC) seeking to modify its earlier order directing HPPC to schedule 200 MW of power from the Teesta-III Hydroelectric Project. The review petition was filed after the project suffered significant damage due to flash floods in Sikkim in October 2023, rendering it incapable of generating power.
In its order dated November 22, 2022, CERC had ruled that HPPC must continue scheduling 200 MW of power from the Teesta project and pay the corresponding tariff arrears. HPPC challenged this order, arguing that the project’s inability to generate power due to flood damage made the directive unimplementable. HPPC also contended that the fundamentals of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) had changed due to substantial time and cost overruns, making the power purchase unfavorable for Haryana consumers.
CERC, however, dismissed the review petition on two key grounds. First, it noted that HPPC had already filed an appeal against the November 2022 order with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), which is still pending. Under Order 47 Rule 1 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), a review petition cannot be filed if an appeal against the same order is already pending. Second, CERC observed that the review petition was filed nearly two years after the original order, well beyond the 45-day limitation period prescribed under CERC regulations.
The commission also highlighted that the issues raised in the review petition, including the project’s damage and the inability to schedule power, were already being considered by APTEL. CERC concluded that there was no error apparent on the face of the record or any sufficient reason to warrant a review of its earlier order.
Petition No: 32/RP/2024 in 110/MP/2019 | Read the full order here.
CERC adopts tariff for 630 MW ISTS-connected renewable energy projects
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has adopted the tariff for 630 MW of firm and dispatchable power from Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected renewable energy projects with energy storage. The projects were awarded through competitive bidding conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) under the SECI-FDRE-IV scheme, following the Ministry of Power’s guidelines issued on June 9, 2023.
SECI, acting as the Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA), invited bids for 1260 MW of renewable power with storage but later amended the capacity to 630 MW. The selected bidders include Vena Energy Aura Private Limited, Hero Solar Energy Private Limited, JSW Neo Energy Limited, Hexa Climate Solutions Private Limited, and Serentica Renewables India 11 Private Limited. The discovered tariffs range from Rs 4.98/kWh to Rs 4.99/kWh. The awarded capacity is intended for sale to BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) in Delhi, and GIFT Power Company Limited (GIFT PCL) in Gujarat.
CERC reviewed SECI’s bidding process and confirmed that it was conducted transparently and in compliance with Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The commission adopted the discovered tariffs subject to SECI successfully executing power purchase agreements (PPAs) and power sale agreements (PSAs) with the respective buyers. SECI had issued Letters of Award (LoAs) to the successful bidders in August 2024, but as of the order date, BRPL and BYPL had not yet executed their PSAs, leading SECI to explore alternative buyers for 625 MW of the allocated capacity.
Additionally, SECI requested approval for a trading margin of Rs 0.07/kWh to be paid by the distribution companies. CERC ruled that the trading margin would be determined as per PSAs once signed. If SECI does not provide an escrow arrangement or an irrevocable letter of credit, the trading margin will be capped at Rs 0.02/kWh, as per trading license regulations.
Petition No: 312/AT/2024 | Read the full order here.
CERC approves tariff for 1200 MW ISTS-connected solar projects with storage
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has approved the tariff for 1200 MW of inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar PV power projects with 600 MW/1200 MWh energy storage systems (ESS). The projects were selected through a competitive bidding process conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) under the Ministry of Power’s guidelines.
The successful bidders include Pace Digitek Infra Private Limited (100 MW), Hero Solar Energy Private Limited (250 MW), ACME Solar Holdings Limited (350 MW), and JSW Neo Energy Limited (500 MW). The final tariff discovered through the e-reverse auction process ranges between INR 3.41/kWh and INR 3.42/kWh. SECI has already tied up 500 MW of the awarded capacity through power purchase agreements (PPAs) and power sale agreements (PSAs) with Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) and other entities.
The CERC’s order, dated March 6, 2025, emphasized that the bidding process adhered to the transparent and competitive guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power. The commission also approved a trading margin of INR 0.07/kWh for the sale of power, as specified in the guidelines. However, if SECI fails to provide an escrow arrangement or irrevocable letter of credit, the trading margin will be capped at INR 0.02/kWh.
The commission noted that while only 500 MW of the total capacity has been tied up so far, it decided to adopt the tariff without waiting for the entire capacity to be finalized, given the emphasis on expeditious adoption of tariffs in the guidelines. SECI is required to submit the remaining PPAs and PSAs once they are finalized.
Petition No: 283/AT/2024 | Read the full order here.
MERC approves Adani Electricity’s 50 MW solar power procurement under SECI Tranche-XI
The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited – Distribution’s (AEML-D) petition for the long-term procurement of 50 MW of solar power under the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) Tranche-XI scheme. The power will be supplied at a levelized tariff of Rs 2.60/kWh, with an additional trading margin of Rs 0.07/kWh, for a period of 25 years.
AEML-D sought approval under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, citing the need to meet its increasing power demand and Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). The commission noted that the projected peak demand for AEML-D is expected to rise from 2,056 MW in FY 2024-25 to 2,587 MW in FY 2029-30, with a supply shortfall requiring additional renewable energy procurement.
SECI conducted a competitive bidding process in March 2023 for 2,000 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar projects. Following an e-reverse auction in July 2023, SECI finalized a tariff of Rs 2.60/kWh for multiple developers, including ReNew Solar Power Private Limited, which will supply the 50 MW capacity to AEML-D. The discovered tariff aligns with recent market trends, where bids for similar projects ranged between Rs 2.52/kWh and Rs 2.69/kWh.
MERC’s order also noted that the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) had already adopted the tariff for SECI’s Tranche-XI projects on January 31, 2025. Consequently, the commission approved the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) between AEML-D and SECI, requiring AEML-D to submit the final PSA for record-keeping. The approved procurement will count towards AEML-D’s RPO compliance.
Petition No: 166 of 2024 and IA No. 03 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
MERC approves AEML SEEPZ’s 50 MW solar power procurement under SECI Tranche-XI
The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has granted approval to AEML SEEPZ Limited (ASL) for the long-term procurement of 50 MW of solar power under the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) Tranche-XI scheme. The power will be supplied at a levelized tariff of Rs 2.60/kWh, with an additional trading margin of Rs 0.07/kWh, for a period of 25 years.
ASL, a deemed distribution licensee at SEEPZ SEZ, filed the petition under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, citing its need to meet growing power demand and Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). ASL’s electricity demand is projected to increase from 35 MW in FY 2025-26 to 42 MW in FY 2029-30. Previously, ASL had conducted its own competitive bidding process but attracted only a single bid with a tariff of Rs 3.34/kWh, significantly higher than prevailing market rates.
Following unsuccessful attempts to secure cost-effective solar power through independent bidding, ASL approached SECI, which offered 50 MW at Rs 2.67/kWh, inclusive of SECI’s trading margin. SECI had conducted a competitive bidding process in March 2023 for 2,000 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar projects. The e-reverse auction held in July 2023 resulted in multiple developers, including Jakson Limited, securing a tariff of Rs 2.60/kWh.
MERC noted that the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) had already adopted the tariff for SECI’s Tranche-XI projects on January 31, 2025. Consequently, it approved the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) between ASL and SECI and required ASL to submit the final PSA for record-keeping. The approved procurement will count toward ASL’s RPO compliance.
Petition No: Case No. 168 of 2024 and IA No. 02 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
RERC approves amendments to boost rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has approved key amendments to its Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems (DREGS) Regulations, 2021, to promote rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The decision, announced on March 7, 2025, aims to simplify procedures and reduce costs for domestic consumers.
The amendments include waiving application fees and security deposits for rooftop solar installations, removing the requirement for a connection agreement, and eliminating meter testing charges for domestic consumers. These changes are expected to encourage the widespread adoption of rooftop solar systems, aligning with the central government’s goal of installing solar systems in Rs 100 million households.
The petition, filed by Rajasthan’s distribution companies (Discoms), highlighted that existing regulations, such as the prohibition of net metering for consumers with pending arrears, were deterring potential adopters. However, the Discoms later withdrew this request, citing potential financial losses.
The RERC noted that the amendments would not only facilitate the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana but also reduce transmission losses, generate local employment, and benefit the state’s economy. The order will remain in effect until the state achieves its target of 0.5 million rooftop solar installations or any other target set by the government.
Petition No: 2293/2025 | Read the full order here.
UPERC grants UPPCL two weeks to amend SPPA petition with Adani Solar
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has allowed U.P. Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL) two weeks to amend its petition seeking approval for a Supplementary Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) with Adani Solar Energy Four Ltd. (ASEFL). The hearing, held on February 27, 2025, pertains to a 50 MW solar PV power project.
UPPCL filed the petition under Section 86(1)(a) & (b) of the Electricity Act, 2003, seeking approval for the SPPA dated July 18, 2024, which reflects the change of name from Adani Solar Energy Four Private Ltd. to Adani Solar Energy Four Ltd. During the hearing, UPPCL’s counsel, Shri Divyanshu Bhatt, acknowledged that the earlier SPPA dated July 2, 2021, had not been approved by the commission and requested time to amend the petition to include relevant facts.
The commission granted UPPCL’s request and listed the matter for the next hearing on April 8, 2025. The petition seeks approval for the SPPA and any further orders the commission deems fit.
Petition No: 2178 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
UPERC approves SPPA between UPPCL and Adani Green for 50 MW solar project
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has approved the Supplementary Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) dated July 18, 2024, between U.P. Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL) and Adani Green Energy Twenty-Three Ltd. (AGETTL) for a 50 MW solar PV power project in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The approval follows the amalgamation of Essel Urja Pvt. Ltd. (EUPL) with AGETTL, as sanctioned by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on March 19, 2024.
The SPPA reflects the name change of the solar power producer from EUPL to AGETTL, ensuring that all rights, liabilities, and obligations under the original Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) dated December 27, 2013, are transferred to AGETTL. The commission noted that the SPPA would not adversely impact the tariff or any other terms of the PPA.
AGETTL, a joint venture between Adani Green Energy Limited and Total Solar Singapore Private Limited, will now assume responsibility for the 50 MW solar project. The petition, filed under Section 86(1)(a) & (b) of the Electricity Act, 2003, sought approval for the SPPA, which was granted by UPERC on March 3, 2025.
Petition No: 2181 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
UPERC directs NPCL to submit reports on 300 MW wind-solar hybrid power tender
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has directed Noida Power Company Ltd. (NPCL) to submit detailed reports and documents related to its 300 MW wind-solar hybrid power procurement tender. The hearing, held on February 25, 2025, addressed NPCL’s petition seeking approval for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Purvah Green Power Pvt. Ltd. (PGPPL) and Deshraj Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd. (DSEPL).
NPCL filed the petition under Section 63 and 86(1)(b) & (e) of the Electricity Act, 2003, seeking approval for the long-term procurement of 300 MW wind-solar hybrid power to meet its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). The power will be sourced from wind projects in Andhra Pradesh and solar projects in Rajasthan. NPCL also sought adoption of the tariff discovered through a competitive bidding process conducted under the Ministry of Power’s guidelines dated August 21, 2023.
During the hearing, NPCL’s counsel disclosed that PGPPL, the successful bidder, is a sister concern of NPCL, and DSEPL, a subsidiary of PGPPL, was impleaded as per bidding guidelines. The commission allowed the impleadment of DSEPL as a respondent and directed NPCL to submit the Bid Evaluation Committee report, standard bidding documents, and details of DSEPL’s acquisition by PGPPL within three weeks.
The commission also allowed an intervening application filed by consumer representative Shri Rama Shanker Awasthi, who sought transparency in the bidding process. NPCL and PGPPL were directed to respond to the application. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on March 27, 2025.
Petition No: 2183 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
CSERC approves Rama Power’s request for exemption from dedicated feeder
The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has approved Rama Power & Steel Private Limited’s petition seeking an exemption from the requirement of a dedicated feeder for availing open access to solar photovoltaic power at the user end. The exemption is granted under Clause 5(5) of the CSERC (Connectivity and Intra-State Open Access) Regulations, 2011, and its amendments.
CSERC noted that the regulations allow exemptions in appropriate cases, provided the reasons are recorded in writing. The petitioner has agreed to comply with the conditions set by the respondents and has submitted the required undertaking in an affidavit. Based on this, the commission has ruled that Rama Power’s plant qualifies for the exemption, subject to fulfilling the stipulated conditions.
Petition No: P. No. 03 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
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