The case involves the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) hearing a petition filed by Veena Energy Renewables Urja Pvt. Limited (VERUPL). This petition was made with a competitive bidding process conducted by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) for the procurement of power from grid-connected solar power projects. VERUPL sought the adoption of a tariff rate of ₹2.78 per unit for a 100 MW solar project awarded to them, following a competitive bidding process for a 700 MW project at the Dholera Solar Park.
The respondents included GUVNL, represented by Mr. Utkarsh Singh, and TEQ Green Power Pvt. Limited (TGPPL), Tata Power Company Limited (TPCL), and Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), each represented by their legal teams.
The matter was scheduled for a hearing, and during the session, it was noted that TGPPL did not appear or submit any written communication. GUVNL applied to update the petition based on subsequent developments, which included adding parties such as SJVN Limited and ReNew Solar Power Pvt. Limited to the case. They sought time to amend the original petition to reflect the latest facts.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the respondents, including TPCL and VERUPL, had agreed to supply electricity at the discovered tariff of ₹2.78 per unit. This tariff included Basic Custom Duty (BCD) and other applicable taxes, to be finalized at the time of signing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Both VERUPL and TPCL confirmed their agreement to these terms in letters to GUVNL. They stated that electricity would be supplied under the terms set out in the competitive bidding guidelines and other contractual agreements.
VERUPL’s advocate reiterated that they agreed to supply electricity at the stated tariff, covering all applicable duties and taxes up to the date of the PPA signing or 30 days after the Commission’s order, whichever came first. TPCL’s legal representative made similar submissions, indicating their commitment to the agreed terms. Both respondents also provided affidavits affirming their acceptance of the conditions laid out in the bidding process.
GPCL presented its position regarding the allocation of land for solar projects. GPCL stated that they had reallocated land for the projects to the respondents and communicated the new coordinates. They sought a week to file an affidavit regarding these changes and clarified that the changes did not affect the tariff agreements. The respondents, VERUPL and TPCL, confirmed they had received the communication from GPCL and had no objections.
The Commission acknowledged the requests made by the parties for more time to make necessary amendments and undertakings. The hearing was adjourned and rescheduled for mid-October, with the parties being directed to submit any additional documentation before the next hearing. The hearing saw all parties, except TGPPL, agreeing to move forward with the terms set out during the bidding process. The case will continue with further submissions and an amended petition.
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