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Power Ministry updates contract rules, invites experts for hydro dispute resolution

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On June 16, 2025, the Ministry of Power issued amendments to its 2021 guidelines on the Model Contract Provision for “Dispute Avoidance Mechanism” in hydro power projects. This mechanism involves appointing Independent Engineers (IEs) to resolve disagreements between Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and contractors at an early stage. The updated provisions revise payment terms. A retainer fee of Rs 100,000 per month has been fixed for FY 2025–26, with a 10% annual increment. IEs…

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ISTS charges for hydro and battery storage projects waived till 2028

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The Ministry of Power (MoP) has announced a full waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), under specific conditions. According to the order issued on June 10, 2025, the waiver will apply to Hydro PSP projects awarded for construction on or before June 30, 2028. The same benefit is extended to co-located BESS projects commissioned by that date, provided the stored power is…

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Power Ministry allows ISBs and POIs for transmission bid security

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The Ministry of Power has revised its Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs) for Inter-State Transmission Services. Announced on June 5, 2025, the amendment now permits bidders to submit Insurance Surety Bonds (ISBs) and Payment on Order Instruments (POIs) instead of relying solely on traditional bank guarantees. The revised bid security norms expand the definition of a Bid Bond to include three instruments: unconditional bank guarantees, ISBs issued by IRDAI-authorised insurers, and POIs issued solely by IREDA,…

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Madhya Pradesh identifies dams for floating solar power projects

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The Water Resources Department, Madhya Pradesh has identified various dams and reservoirs for setting up floating solar power projects in the state. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Power’s (MoP’s) national vision to install floating solar power projects on water bodies across India. MoP has allocated the survey and investigation (S&I) work for these sites to NHPC Limited. NHPC has further assigned the work to Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCEL). The following dams…

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MoP proposes amendments to EV charging infrastructure guidelines

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The Ministry of Power (MoP) has released a draft amendment to the Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024.  The draft outlines the framework for establishing EV charging infrastructure, including networks of charging stations equipped to meet diverse EV charging needs. The proposed guidelines define EV charging infrastructure as comprising various components such as connections to discom supply systems, power management systems for energy optimization, tools for grid stability and renewable energy…

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Tata Power acquires Paradeep Transmission for ERES XXXIV Expansion

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Paradeep Transmission, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PFC Consulting created to develop the Eastern Region Expansion Scheme-XXXIV (ERES XXXIV), has been transferred to Tata Power Company.  The sale and transfer process to Tata Power, the successful bidder, was finalized on 06 November 2024. The sale consideration was determined as per guidelines set by the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

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PFCCL signs MoU with CEA to collaborate on power sector projects

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On October 14, 2024, PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to collaborate on generation, transmission, and distribution projects.  PFCCL, which provides consultancy services to the power sector, also plays a crucial role in developing ultra mega power projects (UMPPs) and acts as the Bid Coordinator for selecting developers for independent transmission projects (ITPs), as appointed by the Ministry…

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MoP unveils National Electricity Plan for transmission

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The Ministry of Power (MoP) has launched the National Electricity Plan for transmission, targeting the transmission of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and over 600 GW by 2032. The plan also addresses the need for 47 GW of battery energy storage systems and 31 GW of pumped storage plants. From 2022-23 to 2031-32, the plan aims to add over 191,000 circuit km of transmission lines and 1,270 GVA of transformation capacity at 220…