WBERC clears over 950 MW long-term renewable procurement

In a set of orders issued in late December 2025, the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission approved three major renewable power procurement proposals totaling more than 950 MW. The approvals are intended to help utilities meet Renewable Purchase Obligation targets and manage demand variability.

CESC approval for 600 MW wind-solar hybrid procurement
On 17 December, the Commission granted prior approval to CESC Limited to begin a tariff-based competitive bidding process for the long-term procurement of 600 MW of wind-solar hybrid power. In Case No. OA-541/25-26, the Commission recorded CESC’s shortfall in RPO compliance and peak demand of 2,728 MW against limited renewable availability. The proposed procurement will adopt a 2:1 wind to solar mix with an expected 50% capacity utilisation factor and follow competitive bidding guidelines of the Ministry of Power. CESC has been directed to discover tariff through transparent bidding and seek approval for deviations and the final power purchase agreement.

WBSEDCL 100 MW solar power sale agreement through SECI
On 23 December, in Case No. PPA-147/25-26, the Commission approved a power sale agreement executed by WBSEDCL for 100 MW of solar power to be supplied through the Solar Energy Corporation of India. The power will come from a Rajasthan project developed by Amp Energy Green Four Private Limited. The approved tariff is Rs 2.50 per kWh plus a Rs 0.07 per kWh trading margin, already adopted by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. The Commission noted that the procurement will support WBSEDCL’s solar RPO compliance and that the project enjoys full exemption from inter-state transmission system charges for 25 years.

DVC–NHPC 250 MW firm and dispatchable renewable procurement
On 26 December, in Case No. PPA-146/25-26, the Commission approved a 25-year power sale agreement between Damodar Valley Corporation and NHPC Limited for 250 MW of firm and dispatchable renewable energy. The supply will come from a Rajasthan project combining 250 MW solar with a 250 MW or 1,150 MWh battery energy storage system. The approved cost is Rs 4.63 per kWh including trading margin, with full inter-state transmission charge exemption. The Commission recorded that the procurement will support peak demand management and help DVC meet RPO obligations in West Bengal and Jharkhand.

In all three cases, the Commission acted under Section 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to regulate long-term procurement. The approvals require compliance with scheduling and grid code provisions, including intra-state availability based tariff regulations. Execution of the final agreements will be subject to regulatory scrutiny.

The featured photograph is for representation only.