Hubballi Electricity Supply Company has completed an auction to develop 95 MW of solar power projects across Karnataka under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The projects are part of Component C of the programme, which focuses on solarizing agricultural feeders at the substation level. This move is aimed at improving power supply for farmers while supporting the state’s renewable energy goals.
Seven bidders have been selected to carry out these projects. The winners include Sri Srinivasa Constructions, Solar91 Cleantech, and Anil Patted Solar Energy. Other selected developers are Mahadev Damodar Dixit, Suresh Vijaybasappa Patted, G G Anandswamy Gaddadevarmath, and Mailareppa Bhimappa Basidoni. These companies will develop a total of thirteen solar projects spread across areas served by HESCOM.
One of the key outcomes of the auction was the competitive tariff discovered. The winning bids ranged between ₹2.76 per kWh and ₹2.85 per kWh. These prices are lower than the ceiling tariff of ₹2.89 per kWh set by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission. The lower tariffs reflect strong interest from developers and show that solar power continues to become more cost-effective in the state.
All projects will be implemented under the Renewable Energy Service Company model. Under this approach, the selected developers will handle the entire project lifecycle. This includes site surveys, system design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar plants. The scope of work also covers the installation of around 22,000 irrigation pump sets for farmers. In addition, 11 kV power lines will be constructed to connect the solar plants to the grid.
To ensure smooth operation and performance tracking, each project will include a remote monitoring system. The developers will also be required to meet a minimum annual capacity utilisation factor of 19%, ensuring that the plants operate efficiently throughout the year.
The tender guidelines place a strong focus on supporting domestic manufacturing. Developers must use solar cells and modules that are manufactured in India and approved under the government’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. This requirement is in line with national efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.
The main objective of these projects is to supply reliable daytime electricity to agricultural consumers. By powering farm feeders with solar energy, the state aims to reduce its power subsidy burden and improve the quality of supply for farmers. HESCOM has set March 31, 2026, as the deadline for the commercial operation of these projects.
This auction follows a larger tender issued earlier, in which 30 companies were selected to develop more than 423 MW of solar capacity. Together, these initiatives highlight Karnataka’s rapid progress in expanding its solar power infrastructure and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
