HPERC Approves PPA for 1,000 kW Solar PV Project in Kangra District

The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) and M/s Ganpati Solar Power Project have jointly filed a petition for the approval of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a 1000 kW solar PV project. The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) received the petition, which is governed by Section 86 (1) (b) of the Electricity Act, 2003, along with Regulations 50 and 50-A of the HPERC Conduct of Business Regulations, 2005.

The project, located in Village Suknara, Tehsil Nagrota Surian, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, is being set up with approval from the state energy development agency, HIMURJA. This approval was granted on April 27, 2024, with the project’s expected completion date set for April 26, 2025.

The petitioners highlighted that the connection agreement for the project was signed on May 24, 2024. This agreement specifies that the interconnection point will be at the existing 11 kV Nagrota Surian feeder. The project will utilize solid tap connections with appropriate protection arrangements.

The Commission had previously determined the generic levellised tariff for solar PV projects for the fiscal year 2024-25. For projects up to 1 MW in rural areas, the tariff is set at ₹3.50 per kWh. This rate applies to the Ganpati Solar Power Project, subject to adjustments for any capital subsidy received.

During the hearing, both parties presented their arguments, and the Commission reviewed all the submitted documents. The Commission acknowledged the project’s alignment with the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy-2021, which mandates that solar power projects between 250 kW and 1 MW capacity be allotted to bona fide Himachal Pradesh residents. Additionally, the HPSEBL is required to purchase the energy generated from these projects if commissioned by March 31, 2030.

The petition was supported by affidavits from both parties. Based on the evidence and the powers vested in the Commission, the HPERC approved the PPA with specific conditions. These conditions include the application of the Rs. 3.50 per kWh tariff, which is provisional and subject to subsidy adjustments. The project’s rural location must be confirmed, and the connection agreement must be included as part of the PPA.

Furthermore, the joint petitioners must apply for applicable subsidies or financial assistance from the state or central government and inform the HPSEBL of any received benefits within 15 days. The petitioners are also expected to install appropriate metering systems, with the responsibility for line losses allocated based on the metering point’s location.

The project’s synchronization date is April 11, 2025, with the commercial operation date set for April 26, 2025. Any delay beyond this date may affect the applicable tariff rates. The HPERC’s decision ensures that the Ganpati Solar Power Project proceeds under the established regulatory framework, contributing to the state’s renewable energy goals.