CERC Adopts Tariffs for 1,180 MW of RTC and FDRE Renewable Tenders

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), in its latest orders, has approved the tariffs for up to 1,180 MW of renewable energy projects awarded under Round-The-Clock (RTC) and Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) tenders.

These bids were issued by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and NTPC Limited, and the tariff adoption marks a significant step toward enabling more reliable renewable energy supply in the country. The approvals include NTPC’s 760 MW FDRE tender, aimed at sourcing firm renewable power under its 7,660 MW FDRE scheme.

SECI’s RTC Tender

SECI had floated a tender for 420 MW of RTC renewable energy capacity, with four developers emerging successful through competitive bidding. CERC has adopted tariffs in the range of ₹5.06–₹5.07/kWh.

The successful bidders include:

• Hero Solar Energy

• Hexa Climate Solutions

• Sembcorp Green Infra

• Jindal India Power

SECI’s Bid Evaluation Committee noted that the RTC tender carried stringent performance requirements, including a monthly demand fulfillment obligation of 75%, an annual DFR of 80%, and a 90% DFR during peak hours.

In its order, CERC observed: “The selection of successful bidders and the tariff for the Renewable Energy Power Projects (SECI-RTC-IV) has been discovered through a transparent competitive bidding process in accordance with the Guidelines dated 9.6.2023 issued by the Ministry of Power. Therefore, under Section 63 of the Act, the Commission adopts the individual tariff.”

NTPC’s FDRE Tender

NTPC’s 760 MW FDRE tender saw three winners—Hexa Climate Solutions, ACME Solar, and Avaada Energy—with quoted tariffs ranging between ₹4.69–₹4.70/kWh.

After reviewing submissions from the petitioner and respondents, CERC found the bidding process to be transparent and compliant with the applicable guidelines. The Commission also approved SECI’s trading margin for the tender.

However, CERC noted that power sale agreements (PSAs) with distribution companies are still pending: “In the present case, PSAs have not yet been signed by the distribution licensees. Once the PSAs are signed, the trading margin shall be as per the provisions of such PSAs to be entered into between NTPC and the respective distribution licensee.”