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A recent petition filed by Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) sought approval for the adoption of tariffs for wind power projects. The petition specifically focused on 1,175 MW wind power projects across several states, which were connected to the interstate transmission system. These projects were selected through a competitive bidding process in line with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power.
SECI, as the petitioner, asked for the adoption of the tariff discovered during the bidding process. The projects are located in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, with SECI having issued Letters of Award (LoA) to successful bidders, such as JSW Neo Energy Limited, Torrent Power Limited, and Powerica Limited. The petition highlighted that the process followed for the selection of these projects adhered to all relevant guidelines and involved detailed technical and financial evaluations.
During the bidding process, bids were received from various states. In Gujarat, JSW Neo Energy Limited and Powerica Limited were awarded a combined capacity of 400 MW, while in Karnataka, Torrent Power Limited and JSW Neo Energy Limited secured projects totaling 250 MW. In Rajasthan, Datta Power Infra Private Limited received an award for 60 MW, although its tariff was referred to higher authorities for being higher than expected. Despite some legal challenges, SECI continued with the allocation process and entered into agreements with the successful bidders.
SECI also sought approval of a trading margin of ₹0.07/kWh for the power sold to Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), which has agreed to purchase the entire 1,175 MW capacity. SECI noted that the bidding process was conducted transparently and in compliance with all guidelines.
SECI’s request was heard by the regulatory commission, which reviewed the submissions and ensured that the process followed was in line with the government’s competitive bidding guidelines. No significant objections were raised by the respondents during the proceedings, allowing the commission to move forward with the tariff adoption process.
In the end, the regulatory body agreed to adopt the tariffs as discovered through the competitive bidding process. The petition was disposed of accordingly, with the commission accepting the tariffs and conditions outlined by SECI, as well as the proposed trading margin for the power purchase agreements signed with UPPCL.
