RERC Introduces Resource Adequacy Regulations 2026 To Strengthen Rajasthan’s Power Reliability

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has finalized the “Framework for Resource Adequacy Regulations, 2026,” aiming to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply across the state. The regulations were developed after consultations with fourteen stakeholders, including power exchanges and consumer groups, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing Rajasthan’s growing energy needs.

The new framework focuses on creating a structured system to forecast future electricity demand and ensure sufficient power generation capacity is available to meet it. This is particularly important for Rajasthan, where extreme weather conditions and increasing reliance on renewable energy pose unique challenges. To improve transparency, the Commission has expanded the scope of the regulations to include Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited (RUVITL), which is responsible for procuring power for the state’s three distribution companies (DISCOMs). Bringing RUVITL under the framework ensures better visibility across the entire procurement process.

The Commission has also directed all three DISCOMs to adopt uniform tools and software for preparing their Resource Adequacy Plans. These plans will be combined into a single state-level plan, with Jaipur DISCOM acting as the coordinating agency. This move is expected to streamline planning and improve coordination among the utilities.

Considering Rajasthan’s harsh climate, where temperatures often exceed 45°C, and the variability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the regulations introduce more accurate technical parameters. One key change is in the calculation of “Capacity Credit,” which will now be based on location and seasonal factors rather than a standard formula. This adjustment reflects the reality that solar power generation drops to zero during evening peak demand hours.

To avoid power shortages during high-demand periods, the Commission has set a minimum Planning Reserve Margin of 10 percent. This means DISCOMs must maintain additional capacity beyond their expected peak demand to ensure reliability during stress situations.

The regulations also adopt a long-term perspective with a 10-year planning horizon. To make forecasting more practical, utilities can use seasonal representative hourly data instead of detailed hourly projections for the entire period. Additionally, the data requirement for assessing peak demand has been extended from three years to five years to capture broader weather patterns, including drought conditions that affect agricultural consumption.

At the same time, the framework balances reliability with cost considerations. It encourages long-term and medium-term contracts for stable supply while allowing DISCOMs to use short-term power markets for flexibility. A 30-day fast-track approval process has also been introduced for utilities seeking higher reserve margins. Overall, the regulations mark a significant step toward a more resilient and transparent power system in Rajasthan.