The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has invited proposals from consultancy firms to provide technical and regulatory support for developing Resource Adequacy (RA) frameworks in the state. Based in Gandhinagar, GERC is responsible for regulating Gujarat’s power sector, including generation, transmission, and distribution. This step follows the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2022, which require state regulators to align their systems with national guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
The consultancy work has been divided into three key assignments. The first assignment focuses on drafting new regulations for Resource Adequacy. The selected consultant will study similar regulations from other leading states, prepare necessary documents such as explanatory memorandums, and support the commission during the public consultation process. This work is important as it will lay the foundation for how Gujarat plans and ensures a reliable power supply in the future.
The second and third assignments will be carried out at the same time. The second assignment involves technical evaluation of Resource Adequacy plans prepared by distribution companies (Discoms), the State Transmission Utility (STU), and the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC). The consultant will use advanced energy modeling tools to assess whether the state has enough power to meet demand. They will also identify any shortages or surpluses and suggest the most cost-effective ways to manage power procurement.
The third assignment focuses on capacity building within GERC. Under this task, the consultant will train GERC officials and provide continuous support so that they can independently use energy modeling software. This “handholding” approach is aimed at strengthening the internal capabilities of the commission over time.
To qualify for this project, consultancy firms must meet strict eligibility criteria. They should have at least 15 years of experience in the Indian power sector and must have worked with at least four power utilities or regulatory bodies in the past. Financially, firms must have an annual turnover of at least ₹5 crores and maintain a positive net worth for the last three years. To avoid any conflict of interest, companies that have helped Gujarat Discoms prepare their own Resource Adequacy plans are not allowed to participate. However, firms that have worked with the STU or SLDC can still apply.
The selection process will follow the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method. In this system, technical expertise will carry 70% weight, while the financial proposal will account for 30%. Only those bidders who score at least 80 out of 100 in the technical evaluation will have their financial bids considered. The project team must include experienced professionals, such as a Project Director with 20 years of experience and a Project Manager with at least 12 years, along with other experts.
The timeline for completing the first assignment is three months from the date of contract award. The remaining assignments will continue throughout the 4th GERC Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) control period. Payments to the consultant will be made in stages, based on milestones like submission of reports and final approvals.
Interested firms were required to submit their bids by April 1, 2026. GERC has stated that it reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and may also divide the work among multiple bidders if needed.
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