At the time of the petition, SECI had signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 1,100 MW of this capacity.
The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) recently filed a petition under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, seeking the adoption of tariffs for 600 MW solar power projects connected to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS). These projects, part of Tranche VIII, were selected through a competitive bidding process, in line with the guidelines set by the Government of India.
Initially, SECI issued a request for selection (RfS) for 1,200 MW ISTS-connected solar power projects. This call attracted eleven bids with a cumulative capacity of 4 GW. After evaluating these bids based on technical criteria, eight bidders were shortlisted. An e-reverse auction was then conducted, resulting in the selection of four bidders with a total capacity of 1.2 GW. Letters of Award for these projects were issued on April 6, 2020.
At the time of the petition, SECI had signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 1,100 MW of this capacity. This included 300 MW at ₹2.50/kWh with Adani Solar Energy Jodhpur Six Private Limited and 600 MW with distribution companies in Bihar. The remaining 100 MW capacity was still pending, and SECI requested the adoption of tariffs for the entire 1,200 MW capacity.
The Commission addressed SECI’s delays in finalising PPAs, with SECI attributing these delays to various factors, including distribution company tenders and tariff rate changes. SECI has signed agreements for 500 MW with TANGEDCO and is negotiating for another 500 MW. The Commission reviewed the bidding process, noting a deviation in Change in Law provisions, which was later approved. They advised SECI to adhere to proper procedures in future bids. They recognised that bidders were aware of these deviations and approved tariff adoption for 1,100 MW with executed PPAs.
The Commission suggested that SECI file a separate petition for any approval regarding a Change in Law. The petition was disposed of following the Commission’s findings, marking a crucial step in SECI’s efforts to advance solar energy projects in India. This development underscores the complexity of energy procurement in India and the importance of adhering to established guidelines and procedures.
