The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved the tariff of ₹2.90/kWh for the long-term procurement of 500 MW of solar power from projects developed within the state.
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) will enter into a 25-year power purchase agreement with the successful bidder. The move is aimed at fulfilling the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets of MSEDCL.
MSEDCL had conducted an e-reverse auction, and SolarArise, SJVN Green Energy, and Tata Power Renewable Energy emerged as the winners. SolarArise secured 100 MW with a quoted tariff of ₹2.90/kWh, followed by SJVN Green Energy with 200 MW at ₹2.95 (~$0.036)/kWh. Tata Power Renewable Energy bid for 300 MW but was allocated 200 MW after quoting ₹2.97/kWh.
To improve transmission capacity and avoid relying solely on intrastate tenders, the state regulatory authority has instructed the state transmission utility (STU) to collaborate with distribution companies (DISCOMs) and devise a ten-year power procurement plan.
These developments reflect MERC’s efforts to promote solar power generation in Maharashtra while meeting renewable energy targets and enhancing transmission infrastructure.