Regulatory Developments in Power Distribution Sector April 21, 2025

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  UGVCL reports surplus in FY 2023–24, GERC approves ARR and tariff through FY 2029–30 The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has issued its final order on Case No. 2421 of 2024, approving the truing up of FY 2023–24 and the Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) and tariff for Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL) for the Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) control period from FY 2025–26 to FY 2029–30. For FY 2023–24, UGVCL reported a total ARR…

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PGCIL acquires two SPVs for transmission projects in Karnataka and Rajasthan

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Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has acquired two special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to implement key transmission projects in Karnataka and Rajasthan.  The two SPVs are: Chitradurga Bellary REZ Transmission Limited – Responsible for “Transmission Scheme for integration of Davanagere / Chitradurga and Bellary REZ in Karnataka.” Fatehgarh II And Barmer I PS Transmission Limited – Responsible for “Augmentation at Fatehgarh-II PS, Fatehgarh-IV PS (Section II) and Barmer-I PS.” The acquisition, completed on March…

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Karnataka opts out of RDSS for smart meter installation

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The  Karnataka Department of Energy (DoE) has planned to opt out of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for smart meter installation. Instead, the state will implement the project independently. Karnataka is among the few states that have not opted for RDSS, under which 197.9 million consumer smart meters have been sanctioned nationwide. However, officials have not disclosed the reason behind this decision. Sources in the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) indicated that the project…

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Hero Future Energies commissions 29 MW solar project in Karnataka

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Hero Future Energies (HFE) has commissioned a 29 MW solar power project in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which will generate 33 million units of clean energy annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 31,624 tonnes each year.  This open-access solar project caters to the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector’s energy needs. Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO of HFE, highlighted the project’s role in expanding the company’s footprint in Karnataka and supporting industrial decarbonisation. “This is a milestone in…

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KERC eases rooftop solar installation rules for consumers with loads up to 10 kW

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The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has simplified rooftop solar installation rules for consumers with sanctioned loads of up to 10 kW.  The new guidelines allow a 10 per cent capacity tolerance for direct current (DC) systems, ensuring that the alternating current (AC) capacity of the inverter does not exceed the sanctioned load.  Consumers with lower sanctioned loads can now install systems up to 10 kW, with automatic load enhancement to match the required capacity….

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Hero Future to invest Rs 110 billion in Karnataka

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Hero Future Energies Private Limited (HFEPL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to invest Rs 110 billion in renewable energy and green hydrogen projects.  The investment will be allocated for establishing renewable energy, green hydrogen, and its derivatives projects in Karnataka over the next two to three years.  The projects are set to commence in 2025-26 and are expected to create over 3,000 jobs. The Karnataka government will provide…

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JSW Energy plans wind turbine blade manufacturing unit in Karnataka

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JSW Energy, led by Sajjan Jindal, is set to establish a wind turbine blade manufacturing facility in Karnataka to secure a steady supply of wind turbine generators (WTGs) for its renewable energy projects.  The plant, requiring an estimated investment of $50 million, will have the capacity to assemble 400-500 turbines annually.  The facility will be built on available land at JSW Energy’s Vijayanagar site, where the company also operates a 12.5 million tpa steel plant…

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RECPDCL forms two SPVs for ISTS projects in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

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REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL), as the bid process coordinator, has launched two wholly-owned subsidiaries to act as special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for ISTS-TBCB schemes currently under bidding. These SPVs, Bidar Transco Ltd and Tuticorin Power Transmission Ltd, will support crucial transmission upgrades and green energy integration. Project SPV Details: Bidar Transco Ltd Incorporation Date: November 5, 2024 Scheme: Augmentation of transformation capacity with 3×500 MVA, 400/220kV and 1×1500 MVA, 765/400kV ICTs at…

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PFCCL establishes SPV for ISTS scheme development in Karnataka

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PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL) has formed a wholly-owned subsidiary named “Gadag II and Koppal II Transmission Ltd” on October 21, 2024, as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme in Karnataka.  The project, titled “System strengthening at Koppal-II and Gadag-II for integration of RE generation projects,” is aimed at enhancing capacity at the Koppal-II and Gadag-II pooling stations to support growing renewable energy (RE) connections. PFCCL has commenced the bidding…

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ITC commissions second offsite solar plant in Karnataka

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ITC has commissioned a 9.45 MW offsite solar plant in Davangere district, Karnataka, marking its second such facility in the state and fourth in the country, alongside others in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. The plant is designed to generate around 15 million units of green energy annually, supplying power to ITC’s hotels, the ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre (LSTC), food manufacturing units in Mysore and Malur, and the ITC Green Centre in…