BERC Seeks Clarification From East Central Railway On Additional 70 MW LTA NOC In Bihar

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) held a hearing on September 1, 2026, in Case No. 21/2022 concerning East Central Railway’s (ECR) request for directions to Bihar State Transmission Company Ltd. (BSPTCL) for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to avail Long-Term Open Access (LTA). The matter was heard by BERC Chairman Amir Subhani and Member P.S. Yadav.

Representatives and legal counsel from ECR, BSPTCL, North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd. (NBPDCL), and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd. (SBPDCL) appeared before the Commission.

During the hearing, BSPTCL informed the Commission that ECR had already been granted an NOC for 70 MW through BSPTCL NOC No. 19, dated March 3, 2025. The NOC was issued in compliance with the Commission’s earlier directions.

However, BERC observed that ECR had not complied with its direction issued on July 29, 2026. Under that direction, ECR was required to submit written confirmation regarding the status of the NOC for an additional 70 MW of LTA sought through the petition.

The Commission has now directed ECR to provide the required written confirmation within three days from the date of issuance of the order. This confirmation is expected to clarify the status of the additional 70 MW LTA request.

During the proceedings, BERC also admitted a fresh Interlocutory Application (IA) submitted by ECR. The railway has been directed to serve copies of the application to BSPTCL, SBPDCL, and NBPDCL.

The three respondents have been instructed to submit their official replies to the IA by September 9, 2026. Following these submissions, the Commission will take up the matter for further consideration.

BERC has scheduled the next hearing in the case for September 16, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The proceedings will focus on the status of the additional 70 MW LTA request and the issues raised through ECR’s newly admitted application.