BERC Approves INR 3.46/kWh Tariff For 10 MW Solar Power Procurement In Bihar

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved a tariff of ₹3.46 per unit for the procurement of 10 MW of grid-connected solar power from Agrowin Agri Solutions Private Limited. The approval was issued through an order dated November 4, 2026, allowing the state to proceed with a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the solar power project.

The order was passed by a three-member Commission bench headed by Chairman Amir Subhani. The petition was jointly filed by Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) and Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) on behalf of the state’s two distribution companies, North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL).

The procurement is intended to help Bihar meet its Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) and reduce the expected shortage of renewable energy in the state through FY 2029–30. The project is part of the state’s efforts to increase solar power generation and strengthen the availability of renewable electricity for distribution companies.

The procurement process began in April 2025 when BSPGCL invited bids for canal-bank solar photovoltaic projects under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. The projects were planned on government-owned land across Bihar. After several extensions to the bidding deadlines, two companies, Agrowin Agri Solutions and Wisdom Agricare, qualified under the technical and commercial evaluation process.

An e-reverse auction was conducted on September 26, 2025, to determine the tariff. Agrowin Agri Solutions emerged as the lowest bidder for a 10 MW project by quoting ₹3.46 per unit. Wisdom Agricare submitted a bid of ₹3.56 per unit for a 1 MW capacity. Based on the competitive bidding results, Agrowin was selected for the proposed solar power procurement.

However, the project experienced delays due to changes in land allocation and administrative requirements. The project was initially planned along the Western Link Canal of the Sone Barrage Division in Rohtas district. However, the original site was later allocated for a regional tourism development initiative known as Paryatan Haat.

Following this change, the Water Resources Department (WRD) identified an alternative site. The revised land allocation initially included a condition requiring the project developer to provide free electricity to the Indrapuri Barrage. After discussions between the concerned departments in March 2026, this condition was withdrawn. The WRD subsequently arranged approximately 40 acres of contiguous land at Mauja Meh in Aurangabad district for the project.

BSPGCL informed the Commission that the delay in filing the petition was caused by the need to finalise the project location and obtain the necessary no-objection certificates from the Water Resources Department. BERC accepted the explanation and condoned the delay.

The Commission also reviewed certain provisions in the draft PPA, including capacity utilisation factors, regulatory fees and references to repealed regulations. BSPGCL agreed to update outdated legal references and make the necessary corrections.

After examining the submissions and clarifications, BERC adopted the tariff of ₹3.46 per kWh under Sections 63 and 86(1)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003. The Commission directed the petitioners to complete the required technical and legal amendments, review the PPA and execute the final agreement to facilitate the timely implementation of the 10 MW solar power project.