Petition for Adoption of tariff for 2000 MW ISTS Solar PV Power Projects with 1000 MW/ 4000 MWh ESS and (SECI-ISTS-XX) of the Government of India – EQ

Summary:

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## Detailed Business & Regulatory Summary – CERC RoP (SECI Solar + ESS Tariff Adoption)

* **Regulatory Authority**

* The matter is being examined by the **Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), New Delhi)**, the statutory regulator for inter-State power projects and tariff adoption under the Electricity Act, 2003.

* **Nature of the Petition**

* **Petition No. 975/AT/2025** has been filed under **Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003**.
* The petition seeks **adoption of tariff** discovered through a **tariff-based competitive bidding process**.

* **Project Overview**

* The petition relates to **2000 MW of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)–connected Solar PV Power Projects**.
* The projects are bundled with a **1000 MW / 4000 MWh Energy Storage System (ESS)**.
* This is part of **SECI Solar Tranche XX (SECI-ISTS-XX)**.

* **Policy & Regulatory Framework**

* The bidding process was conducted in accordance with:

* **Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding for Grid-Connected Solar PV Projects** dated **28 July 2023**.
* Subsequent amendments issued by the **Ministry of Power, Government of India**.
* Tariff adoption by CERC is mandatory for enforceability of discovered tariffs under Section 63.

* **Respondents**

* **Welspun Renewable Energy Private Limited & other successful bidders**.
* These entities are expected to execute the projects at the tariffs discovered through bidding.

* **Hearing Details**

* **Date of Hearing:** 16 December 2025.
* The matter was heard by a **three-member bench** of the Commission.

* **Submissions by SECI**

* SECI confirmed that:

* The projects were selected through a **transparent and competitive bidding process**.
* The procurement complies fully with **Government of India guidelines**.
* The petition is limited to **tariff adoption**, not tariff determination.

* **Directions Issued by CERC**

* The Commission:

* **Admitted the petition**.
* **Issued notice** to all respondents.
* Directed respondents to file replies within **two weeks**.
* Allowed SECI to file a rejoinder within **two weeks thereafter**.

* **Next Regulatory Milestone**

* The matter has been **listed for final hearing on 29 January 2026**.
* Tariff adoption will be considered after pleadings are completed.

* **Business & Financial Implications**

* Upon tariff adoption:

* Discovered tariffs will become **legally binding**.
* Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) can proceed without regulatory uncertainty.
* Enables **bankability and financial closure** for both solar and storage components.
* ESS integration enhances:

* Grid stability
* Peak power availability
* Value of renewable energy to DISCOMs

* **Sector-Level Significance**

* One of the **largest hybrid Solar + ESS procurements** under ISTS framework.
* Reflects India’s policy shift towards **round-the-clock and firm renewable power**.
* Strengthens investor confidence in **storage-backed renewable tenders**.

* **Strategic Takeaways**

* Competitive bidding under Section 63 remains the preferred procurement route.
* Regulatory approval timelines directly impact project execution schedules.
* Successful tariff adoption will accelerate large-scale deployment of **utility-scale energy storage** in India.

* **Current Status**

* Petition admitted.
* Replies and rejoinders awaited.
* Final outcome pending CERC’s tariff adoption order.

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