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Draft rules allow energy storage systems to operate independently or with grids

The Ministry of Power has released draft amendments to Rule 18 of the Electricity Rules, 2005 clarifying how Energy Storage Systems (ESS) can be used in India’s power sector. The draft gives developers, utilities, and consumers more flexibility. ESS will be allowed to function either on their own or as part of generation, transmission, or distribution systems. Developers or owners—whether they are generating companies, licensees, consumers, or independent providers—can sell, lease, or rent out storage…

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Centre clears 2,400 MW thermal power projects for Punjab

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has approved the establishment of three new 800 MW thermal power plants (TPPs) in Punjab. The decision was announced on June 6, 2025, following a meeting of northern power ministers. The expansion adds up to 2,400 MW of fresh capacity. Two of the three units will be located at the existing Ropar thermal power site. Punjab had earlier requested an increase in capacity at Ropar, citing its access to domestic…

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Power ministry relaxes location norms for load-serving substations under ISTS

The power ministry has relaxed siting norms for load-serving substations under interstate transmission system (ISTS) schemes built through the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route. The revised norms apply to new substations—such as switching stations or HVDC terminals—developed by transmission service providers (TSPs). The change follows industry representations and is now reflected in the amended standard bidding documents (SBD), including the request for proposal (RfP) and transmission service agreement (TSA). Under the updated rule: Generation pooling…