CERC Approves ₹1,819.81 Million Transmission Charges for Beawar-Mandsaur Power Project (5.5 GW) in Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone

Beawar-Mandsaur Transmission Limited filed a petition with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, seeking the adoption of transmission charges for a power transmission project. This project, part of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone Phase IV, involves evacuating 5.5 GW of renewable energy from the Jaisalmer and Barmer complexes. The initiative aims to establish an efficient inter-state transmission system on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer basis.

The process was coordinated by PFC Consulting Limited, acting as the Bid Process Coordinator. The bidding followed the Ministry of Power’s guidelines under Section 63 of the Electricity Act. The process included international competitive bidding and an e-reverse auction. Three companies—Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Tata Power Company Limited, and Sterlite Grid 11 Limited—submitted bids. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited emerged as the lowest bidder, quoting ₹1,819.81 million annually after 69 rounds of e-reverse auctioning.

The Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) confirmed that the process adhered to transparency and the Ministry’s competitive bidding guidelines. The winning bid was notably lower than the levelized tariff estimated under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission norms, highlighting the competitiveness of the process.

The project includes key components like 765 kV double-circuit lines and 240 MVAR switchable line reactors at the Beawar and Mandsaur substations. These are designed to ensure efficient power evacuation. The successful bidder, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, executed necessary agreements, provided guarantees and acquired the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the project within the stipulated timeline.

CERC approved the transmission charges, emphasizing that the process met all legal and procedural requirements. The charges, valid throughout the Transmission Service Agreement’s duration, will be shared among designated interstate transmission system customers as per CERC’s regulations.

This project is critical for supporting India’s renewable energy goals by enabling the efficient evacuation of solar and wind energy from Rajasthan’s renewable zones. It represents a significant step toward enhancing India’s transmission infrastructure and meeting its clean energy targets.