The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL) is advancing its renewable energy ambitions with plans to procure 1,600 MW of solar power, although the proposed agreements are currently under careful scrutiny by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC). The move represents a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to expand its clean energy capacity and support sustainable power generation.
On September 25, 2025, UPPCL appeared before the Commission seeking approval for four Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that emerged from a Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process. These agreements, involving multiple major developers, are set for a duration of 25 years each. The largest contracts were signed with NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL), which secured 600 MW and 400 MW of solar power. Both NREL projects propose a tariff of ₹2.56 per kilowatt-hour.
Two additional PPAs were also under review. One, signed with Adani Green Energy Sixty-Nine Limited (AGESNL), was initially for 400 MW, though UPPCL’s counsel noted a reduction to 300 MW during the hearing. This project has a proposed tariff of ₹2.57 per kilowatt-hour. The fourth PPA, for another 300 MW, was signed with ReNew Green (HPR One) Private Limited and proposes a tariff of ₹2.56 per kilowatt-hour. Together, these agreements bring the total capacity under regulatory review to 1,600 MW.
The Commission, led by Chairman Shri Arvind Kumar and Member Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, admitted all the petitions for detailed evaluation. A key concern raised by UPERC was the significant delay between the completion of the e-Reverse Auction and the signing of the PPAs. The auction concluded on January 3, 2025, but the agreements were only signed in May and June 2025, far beyond the regulatory guideline of 41 days for execution. The Commission highlighted that such delays could raise questions about the transparency and integrity of the bidding process.
To address these concerns, UPPCL has been directed to submit a comprehensive set of documents within three weeks. These documents must include a detailed timeline of the bidding process, copies of all newspaper publications related to the auction, a Bid Conformity Certificate, and information about all participating bidders, including their quoted prices and project locations. Additionally, UPPCL must provide the report from the Bid Evaluation Committee and a clear explanation for the delay in executing the PPAs.
The next hearing on these matters is scheduled for November 4, 2025, which will determine the future of these significant solar power projects in Uttar Pradesh. The outcome of the review will have implications not only for the state’s renewable energy capacity but also for the regulatory framework governing solar power procurement. By closely examining the delays and ensuring all procedures comply with established guidelines, UPERC aims to maintain the credibility and efficiency of large-scale solar power agreements.
If approved, these PPAs would strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s position in renewable energy development, adding 1,600 MW of solar capacity to the state’s grid. This initiative highlights the growing emphasis on clean energy and the importance of regulatory oversight in maintaining transparency in large-scale power procurement. The state’s commitment to renewable energy continues to be a key focus for both developers and regulators, as the sector plays an increasingly vital role in India’s energy landscape.
The November hearing will be closely watched by stakeholders across the power sector, as it will determine the pace at which these solar projects move forward and set a benchmark for future large-scale renewable energy agreements in the state.
