Petition of the Guidelines for Tariff from Grid connected Renewable Energy Power Projects with Energy Storage Systems – EQ
Summary:
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# ⚖️ Case Details
* **Forum:** Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC).
* **Petition No.:** 2533 of 2025.
* **Petitioner:** Torrent Power Limited (represented by Mr. Jignesh Langalia & Ms. Luna Pal).
* **Coram:** Mehul M. Gandhi & S. R. Pandey (Members).
* **Date of Order:** 29.08.2025.
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# 📑 Subject Matter
* Petition under **Section 63 & 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003** + **MoP Guidelines (09.06.2023, amended 2023–25)**.
* Purpose: **Approval of deviations** from Central Government’s guidelines for **Tariff-based Competitive Bidding** to procure **200 MW Firm & Dispatchable Renewable Power with Energy Storage**, plus Greenshoe option up to 100 MW.
* Seeks approval of draft RfS/PPA documents for bidding.
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# 📋 Background
* TPL has already tied up ~402 MW wind, 646 MW solar, 450 MW hybrid, plus rooftop (~695 MW) & MSW (15 MW).
* Current RE share projected to meet ~25% of its FY 2027–28 requirement, but **RPO target is ~38.8%** → shortfall.
* Needs new RE capacity, especially firm dispatchable (RE+storage).
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# 🔑 Deviations Sought
1. **Max Capacity Allocation (Clause 6.3):** Remove 50% bidder cap – allow single bidder full allocation.
2. **Generation Compensation (Clause 7.5.1 & 7.5.2):** Delete 175-hour annual limit for grid unavailability/offtake reduction – claim it inflates tariffs.
3. **Delay in Commencement (Clause 14.3):** Add flexibility to extend SCOD on mutual discussion, avoid termination.
4. **Delay due to Transmission (new clause):** Treat CTU/STU delays in GNA or evacuation infra readiness as force majeure, extend SCOD.
*(GERC had approved 3 of these deviations in an earlier case; only one is new).*
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# 📅 Proceedings
* TPL sought urgent clearance since RfS bid deadline was **30.08.2025**, after which **domestic content mandate** would raise costs.
* Commission admitted the petition, but directed **public notice & hearing** before final approval.
* Still, recognizing time urgency, GERC granted **“In-Principle” approval** for deviations, allowing TPL to issue tender, subject to final decision.
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# 📌 Order Summary
* Petition admitted under Section 63.
* Public notice (Gujarati + English) to be issued, inviting objections within 10 days.
* Stakeholders’ inputs to be heard in a public hearing.
* **In-Principle approval granted** so TPL can issue tender immediately.
* Final decision on deviations will follow stakeholder process.
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# 🔎 Implications
* **Strategic move by TPL:** Pushing forward India’s first few **firm & dispatchable RE+storage tenders** at state level.
* **Consumer protection angle:** GERC cautious—wants public scrutiny before final approval, though interim relief granted.
* **Market impact:** Deviation on bidder cap & compensation norms could attract larger IPPs and lower tariffs.
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