The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved a tariff of ₹6.74 (~$0.074)/kWh for the Bihar State Power Holding Company (BSPHCL) to procure 450 MW/1,800 MWh of assured peak-hour power from SJVN’s 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh interstate transmission system(ISTS)-connected firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects.

The Commission also approved a trading margin of ₹0.07 (~$0.001)/kWh.

Background

BSPHCL approached the Commission seeking approval to procure 450 MW/1,800 MWh FDRE from SJVN’s projects.

BSPHCL stated that it anticipates a shortfall of 910 million units (MU) towards meeting its renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets in the financial year (FY) 2027. It added that the energy shortfall towards meeting the RPO will increase to 4347 MU in FY 2030.

SJVN floated a tender to procure 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh FDRE under Tranche IV.

It offered a capacity of 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh to the petitioner at a tariff of ₹6.74 (~$0.074)/kWh to ₹6.75 (~$0.075)/kWh, excluding a trading margin of ₹0.07 (~$0.001)/kWh.

In response to SJVN’s offer, the petitioner, BSPHCL, gave in-principle approval to procure 450 MW/1,800 MWh at ₹6.74 (~$0.074)/kWh. This capacity was awarded to ACME Solar Holdings.

The petitioner submitted draft copies of the power sale agreement (PSA) to be executed between SJVN and the Bihar DISCOMs, and the power purchase agreement (PPA) to be signed between SJVN and the winners of SJVN’s auction.

Commission’s Analysis
The Commission noted that the FDRE project being developed by ACME includes a battery energy storage component and is scheduled to be commissioned before June 30, 2028, making it eligible for a 100% waiver of transmission charges.

It was observed that BSPHCL submitted that ACME has assured that the project will be commissioned before June 30, 2028, and it will not seek any extension of the scheduled commissioning and supply date.

It said the petitioner faces a power deficit during peak hours and will be compelled to either buy power at a very high price or restore curtailed power. The supply of assured FDRE will provide the petitioner with cheaper power during peak hours and help it in meeting its RPO targets.

Allowing BSPHCL’s plea to procure 450 MW/1800 MWh assured peak hour power at a tariff of ₹6.74 (~$0.074)/kWh for 25 years, it also approved the draft PSA submitted by the petitioner.

The Commission also approved a trading margin of ₹0.07/kWh (~$0.001/kWh) payable to SJVN, subject to CERC approval.

Recently, BERC approved a proposal by BSPHCL to procure 190 MW of assured peak power supply through an ISTS-connected wind–solar hybrid project with a co-located BESS under the SECI’s hybrid tranche-VI program.

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