| Work Detail |
In a recent development about solar power projects under the PM-KUSUM scheme, Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) filed a petition under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The petition sought approval for the determination of tariff through a bidding process for solar power projects under Component-C (Feeder Level Solarization) of the PM-KUSUM scheme.
AVVNL’s petition highlighted the guidelines issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for the implementation of all three components of the PM-KUSUM scheme. These components include the installation of decentralized ground-mounted grid-connected renewable power plants, standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps, and solarization of grid-connected agriculture pumps.
On December 4, 2020, MNRE introduced guidelines for Feeder Level Solarization (FLS) under Component-C, allowing the installation of grid-connected solar PV power plants near Discom’s substations to meet the annual power requirement of segregated agriculture feeders.
AVVNL floated a tender on June 2, 2023, for solar power projects under Component-C. Technical and price bids were opened in September and October 2023, respectively. The tender received bids for 20 substations/plants out of a total of 30.
During the hearing, AVVNL’s counsel requested approval for the solar PV plant-wise levelized tariff for the projects under Component-C. AVVNL also sought exemption from filing petitions for projects where the discovered tariff for 25 years is equal to or less than the ceiling tariff.
The Commission considered AVVNL’s submissions and approved the purchase of power from 20 solar PV plants under Component-C for 25 years. It set the ceiling tariff at ?3.55/kWh for projects under Component-C. Discoms were directed to file petitions for tariff adoption after every bid and monitor market conditions for tariff revisions.
The Commission emphasized the importance of timely capacity addition under schemes like KUSUM Component-C and urged Discoms to monitor changes in law events and follow MNRE directions for implementation.
Notably, the pump size in Rajasthan exceeds 7.5 hp, limiting the benefits of subsidies compared to states with lower pump capacities. The Commission advised Discoms to engage with MNRE to increase the CFA for pump sizes exceeding 7.5 hp. In conclusion, the Commission disposed of the petition, highlighting the need for efficient implementation of solar projects to meet energy demands and achieve renewable energy goals. |
