Author: PPD Team Date: 26/03/2025
CERC approves Sael Industries’ petition for directions on 2×300 MW connectivity
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has approved the petition filed by Sael Industries Limited, Sael Solar Mhp1 Private Limited, and Sael Solar Mhp2 Private Limited, seeking appropriate directions regarding the 2×300 MW connectivity at the Kurnool-III pooling substation in Andhra Pradesh, which was granted in favor of Sael Industries Limited.
CERC noted that a similar issue was addressed in its order dated January 16, 2025, in Petition No. 503/MP/2024. It had already directed the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) on January 29, 2025, to accept financial closure documents in this case and similar cases until an amendment is issued to the CERC (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) Regulations, 2022 (GNA Regulations).
Following the hearing, the petitioners submitted an affidavit on February 17, 2025, stating that CTUIL had not yet processed their financial closure documents. They requested the commission to issue necessary orders to CTUIL to accept their submissions.
In response, CERC has directed CTUIL to process the petitioners’ financial closure documents without delay, in line with its earlier directions from January 16, 2025, in Petition No. 503/MP/2024.
Petition No: 147/MP/2025 | Read the full order here.
UPERC approves UPPCL’s petition for SPPA approval
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has approved the petition filed by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) seeking approval of the supplementary power purchase agreement (SPPA) dated July 18, 2024, between UPPCL and Adani Green Energy Twenty-Three Limited (AGETTL) for 50 MW solar photovoltaic power from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The commission noted that the petition was filed following the National Company Law Tribunal’s order dated March 19, 2024, approving the amalgamation of Essel Urja Private Limited (EUPL) with AGETTL. The commission observed that the SPPA does not impact the tariff or other terms but only reflects a name change of the solar power producer.
AGETTL submitted an affidavit on February 2, 2025, stating that it has reviewed the petition and has no objections to the approval of the SPPA. Based on these findings, the commission approved the SPPA, formalizing the name change from EUPL (a special purpose vehicle of Essel Infraprojects Limited) to AGETTL.
Petition No: 2181 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
GERC dismisses Goodwatts WTE Surat’s petition for tariff determination
The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has dismissed the petition filed by Goodwatts WTE Surat Private Limited, which sought tariff determination for municipal solid waste-based waste-to-energy power plants in Gujarat. The petition also requested an extension of the tariff determined in Order No. 04 of 2016, dated November 10, 2016, until a new tariff order is issued.
The commission noted that it had already issued Order No. 2 of 2024 on February 22, 2024, titled “Determination of Generic Tariff and Other Terms and Conditions for Procurement of Power by Distribution Licensees from Municipal Solid Waste to Energy Projects in Gujarat.” This order covers the control period from June 6, 2022, to March 31, 2027. Since the petition’s objective had already been addressed, the commission declared it infructuous and dismissed it.
Petition No: 2097 of 2022 | Read the full order here.
GERC dismisses KPI Green Energy and Rajputana Stainless’ petition for order implementation
The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has dismissed the petition filed by KPI Green Energy Limited and Rajputana Stainless Limited. The petition sought the implementation of Order No. 3 of 2020, dated May 8, 2020, in the amended wheeling agreement, with effect from the commissioning of the solar power project on June 1, 2021, instead of September 1, 2022, as considered by Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL).
The commission noted that a settlement had been reached between the petitioners and MGVCL, and the petitioners no longer wished to pursue the case. Since the respondent had no objection to the withdrawal, the commission allowed it, dismissing the petition accordingly.
Petition No: 2205 of 2023 | Read the full order here.
GERC dismisses GUVNL’s petition on control period extension
The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has dismissed the petition filed by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), which sought not to extend the control period of Order No. 04 of 2021, dated April 3, 2021, beyond June 19, 2023.
The commission noted that Order No. 04 of 2021, issued on April 3, 2021, established a tariff framework for procuring power from wind-solar hybrid energy projects in Gujarat. The control period initially lasted until March 31, 2023, but was later extended to June 19, 2023, through an order on March 17, 2023. Subsequently, GERC issued Order No. 1 of 2024 on February 22, 2024, setting a new control period from June 20, 2023, to March 31, 2026.
Since the new tariff framework is already in place, the petition has become infructuous and was dismissed.
Petition No: 2222 of 2023 | Read the full order here.
MPERC notifies fifth amendment to intra-state open access regulations
The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) has notified the fifth amendment to the MPERC (Terms and Conditions for Intra-State Open Access in Madhya Pradesh) Regulations, 2021 (Revision-I).
A key change is the insertion of a new proviso under Regulation 3.3, stating that intra-state short-term open access for non-green energy will not be permitted for transmission or wheeling to the premises of an obligated entity if it has not met its renewable power purchase obligation (RPO) for the previous financial year. This is subject to the provisions of Regulation 15 of the MPERC (Cogeneration and Generation of Electricity from Renewable Sources of Energy) Regulations, 2021, as amended.
Petition No: MPERC/2025/424 | Read the full order here.
UPERC rejects Avaada Indsolar’s petition for 100% energy banking
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has rejected the petition filed by Avaada Indsolar Private Limited seeking directions to allow 100 per cent banking of the energy generated.
The commission noted that the petition requested Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) to enter into an agreement for full energy banking. However, it referred to a prior order by the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) in the case of M/s Inox (Appeal No. 308 of 2024 in Petition No. 1994 of 2023), which clarified that the relief sought could not be granted.
Additionally, the commission stated that the petitioner had not demonstrated any refusal from UPPCL to sign a banking agreement for 25 per cent of energy generation, which is already permitted.
Petition No: 2115 of 2024 | Read the full order here.
MERC approves AEML-D’s tariff adoption for 250 MW wind power procurement
The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited-Distribution’s (AEML-D) petition for the adoption of tariff for procuring 250 MW of grid-connected wind power. The power will be sourced through tariff-based competitive bidding on a long-term basis to meet demand and fulfill the renewable purchase obligation.
MERC noted that AEML-D discovered a tariff of Rs 3.65 per kWh through the competitive bidding process. To assess its competitiveness, the commission compared it with tariffs from the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) under Tranche-XVI and Tranche-XVII. The tariffs in these SECI tenders ranged from Rs 3.60 per kWh to Rs 3.82 per kWh, excluding SECI’s trading margin, inter-state transmission charges, and losses. When these additional costs are factored in, the effective landed cost of SECI-procured wind power would exceed Rs 4.00 per kWh.
Given this comparison, MERC found the Rs 3.65 per kWh tariff discovered by AEML-D to be reasonable and reflective of market conditions. The commission determined that the tariff aligns with the criteria set under Section 63 of the Electricity Act (EA) and approved the adoption of the tariff for 250 MW of wind power from JSW Neo Energy Limited. The power purchase agreement will be valid for 25 years at the approved tariff of Rs 3.65 per kWh.
Petition No: Case No. 160 of 2024 and IA No. 72 of 2024 | Read the full order here.
MERC approves MSEDCL’s tariff adoption for 150 MW solar power procurement
The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s (MSEDCL) petition for the adoption of tariff for the long-term procurement of 150 MW power from intra-state grid-connected solar power projects under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
MSEDCL proposed tariff adoption only for the capacity offered by the lowest (L1) bidder, in line with competitive bidding guidelines and the Request for Selection (RFS) provisions. The guidelines allow capacity allocation to other bidders only if their quoted tariff is within 3% of the L1 tariff. In this case, the tariff quoted by the second-lowest (L2) bidder exceeded this limit.
MERC previously adopted a tariff of Rs 2.90–2.91 per kWh for 500 MW of intra-state solar power procurement under Case No. 242 of 2022. The tariff discovered in the current case is lower than the previously approved rate. Since the project is located within Maharashtra, inter-state transmission charges and losses do not apply. The commission found the proposed tariff of Rs 2.75 per kWh to be reflective of current market trends and approved the procurement.
The solar power procured from these projects will be considered toward MSEDCL’s ‘Other Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO)’ for the respective periods.
Petition No: Case No. 224 of 2024 | Read the full order here.
MERC approves urgent hearing for MSEDCL’s 905 MW solar power procurement
The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s (MSEDCL) petition seeking an urgent hearing in Case No. 198 of 2024. The petition pertains to the adoption of tariff for the long-term procurement of 905 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power from projects to be developed on lands owned by Maharashtra’s Water Resource Department (WRD) and lift irrigation scheme (LIS) consumers.
MSEDCL initially identified a project capacity of 1,052 MW based on the actual energy consumption of LIS consumers over nine months in FY 2023-24. However, during the tendering process, it revised the capacity to 800 MW for projects on WRD land using a proportionality principle. The Request for Selection (RfS) was subsequently updated based on bidder queries. Later, with updated sales data showing an increase in LIS consumer consumption to 1,011 million units (MU), MSEDCL proposed increasing the procurement capacity to 905 MW instead of the initially tendered 800 MW.
MERC noted that this procurement remains within the capacity limit set in its order dated September 20, 2024, in Case No. 122 of 2024. However, it exceeds the capacity tendered by MSEDCL. Given that the LIS solarization scheme benefits from a 30% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) and 30% State Financial Assistance (SFA), and the discovered tariff is the lowest achieved by MSEDCL to date, MERC considered the additional procurement justified under exceptional circumstances.
In line with Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, MERC approved the adoption of a tariff in the range of Rs 0.81–0.90 per kWh for 905 MW of solar power procurement on a long-term basis for 25 years. The power procured from these projects will contribute to meeting MSEDCL’s Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO).
Petition No: IA. No. 84 of 2024 in Case No. 198 of 2024 | Read the full order here.
MERC approves MSEDCL’s petition for tariff adoption under MSKVY 2.0
The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s (MSEDCL) petition for the adoption of tariffs discovered through competitive bidding for the long-term procurement of 5,008 MW of solar power under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0 scheme.
MERC noted that MSEDCL conducted the bidding process transparently, adhering to the guidelines set by the central government under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The tender was floated with a ceiling tariff of Rs 3.10 per kWh. The primary objectives of this procurement are to meet the daytime electricity demand of agricultural consumers by integrating renewable energy into the power mix and to comply with Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets.
The commission confirmed that the proposed procurement capacity aligns with its order dated September 20, 2024, in Case No. 127 of 2024. It also applied the same tariff discovery criteria used in previous procurements, ensuring that the discovered tariffs fall within the range of Rs 2.90 to 3.10 per kWh, with a weighted average tariff of Rs 3.08 per kWh.
The solar power procured from these projects will be counted towards fulfilling MSEDCL’s distributed renewable energy RPO for the relevant periods.
Petition No: Case No. 7 of 2025 | Read the full order here.
KSERC approves LULU International Shopping Malls’ petition for DSM implementation
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has approved the petition filed by LULU International Shopping Malls Private Limited for implementing a proper deviation settlement mechanism (DSM) in Kerala for receiving power through intrastate open access.
The commission has directed:
- The State Load Despatch Centre and Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB) to permit the petitioner to transmit and wheel power from the 1 MWp solar power plant at Chandasekaharan Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, under KSERC (Renewable Energy & Net Metering) Regulations, 2020, and KSERC (Connectivity & Intra-State Open Access) Regulations, 2013. This approval is subject to the Kerala government’s final decision on disputes raised by KSEB regarding third-party sales by the Kerala Police Sports and Welfare Society.
- The renewable energy generator and the petitioner are not eligible for time-period-wise adjustment, banking facilities, or any other benefits while availing intrastate open access for the 1 MWp solar plant.
Petition No: OP No. 01/2025 | Read the full order here.
KSERC disposes of KSEBL’s petition for 6 MW solar project approval
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has disposed of the petition filed by Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) seeking approval for implementing a 6 MW solar project at Moongilmada on irrigation department land under the capital expenditure (capex) model.
KSERC noted that KSEBL has yet to submit the necessary details sought by the commission. Due to the lack of required information, the commission decided to dispose of the petition. However, KSEBL may submit the details when available with the approval of its management as a fresh petition.
Additionally, KSERC has exempted KSEBL from remitting the filing fee for submitting such a petition in the future.
Petition No: OP No. 48/2024 | Read the full order here.
KSERC approves Viyyat Power’s petition for tariff period extension
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has approved Viyyat Power Private Limited’s petition seeking an extension of tariff period I under its power purchase agreement (PPA) with Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB). The extension is granted for 333 days, up to August 1, 2023.
The PPA was originally signed for the Iruttukanam Small Hydel Power Project Stage-I (2×1.5 MW), which was destroyed in the Maha Pralayam floods on August 9 and August 14, 2018.
KSERC has directed that:
- The tariff period for units 1 and 2 of the 3 MW Iruttukanam Stage-I project shall be extended.
- The petitioner and KSEB shall sign a supplementary agreement to the original PPA dated June 7, 2007.
Petition No: OP No 49/2022 | Read the full order here.
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