Tata Power's 250 MW FDRE Tender Completes Tariff Adoption By MERC

The New Year  saw  the  Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission adding its seal of approval for traiff adoption  on a key FDRE project in Maharashtra. On Jan. 1, 2026, it approved Tata Power Company Ltd. Distribution's (TPC-D) petition to procure 250 MW of firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) power with energy storage systems for 25 years, following a competitive bidding process under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.​

Selected Firms and Tariffs

The commission adopted tariffs from four successful bidders selected via e-reverse auction on Aug. 13, 2025: Juniper Green Energy Ltd. (70 MW at 4.76 rupees/kWh, STU periphery); Navayuga Engineering Co. Ltd. (NECL, 50 MW at 4.43 rupees/kWh, CTU periphery after ISTS deduction); ACME Solar Holdings Ltd. (50 MW at 4.43 rupees/kWh, CTU periphery); and Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (80 MW at 4.77 rupees/kWh, STU periphery).​

NECL Dispute Resolution

NECL, initially bidding for an Andhra Pradesh based project, sought to relocate to Maharashtra (InSTS) post-letter of award, requesting tariff restoration from 4.43 rupees/kWh to 4.76 rupees/kWh, arguing no ISTS charges apply. TPC-D opposed, citing RfS Clause 6.2.1(ix) allowing relocation without tariff change to preserve bidding integrity. The commission declined adjudication, directing amicable resolution or separate proceedings, while adopting the 4.43 rupees/kWh tariff.​

Supply Timeline

Supplies are projected to commence in FY 2027-28, per TPC-D's multi-year tariff order, enabling renewable purchase obligation compliance from that fiscal year.​

Comparison to Other Tenders

TPC-D's tariffs (4.76-4.77 rupees/kWh at STU, adjusted to 4.58-5.31 rupees/kWh range with 0.33 rupees/kWh ISTS) align with national FDRE benchmarks seen through 2024-25: SJVN (4.25-4.38 rupees/kWh), NHPC (4.37-4.64 rupees/kWh), NTPC (4.64-4.72 rupees/kWh), SECI (4.98-8.50 rupees/kWh). Differences stem from storage sizing, peak availability, and penalties.