Daily News Wrap-Up: CSERC Clarifies DSM Charges for Open Access Consumers

Punjab proposes stricter banking rules for captive renewable energy projects

February 4, 2026

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The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) issued clarifications on the applicability of wheeling and Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) charges for intrastate open access consumers, proposing a one-time settlement mechanism for past billing periods up to January 2026. The Commission has held that deviations and revenue mismatches arising in the billing of Multi Supply Consumers were the result of misinterpretation and misapplication of the DSM Regulations, 2016, rather than a deliberate attempt to gain unfair advantage.

The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission proposed amendments to the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Harnessing of Captive Power Generation) Regulations, 2022, with a specific focus on banking energy from renewable energy–based captive generating projects (CGPs). Under the “Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Harnessing of Captive Power Generation) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2026,” the banking facility will remain available only to captive users drawing power from renewable energy-based CGPs connected to the intrastate transmission or distribution system.

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission notified the Second Amendment to the Electricity Supply Code and Connected Matters Regulations, 2025, introducing significant changes to the rules governing the recovery of dues from permanently disconnected consumers, timelines for the restoration of supply, and connection charges for loads up to 150 kW. The amended regulations apply to all distribution licensees (including deemed licensees) and consumers across the state.

The Delhi Development Authority invited bids for the design, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of a net-metered ground-mounted solar carport project of 2.2 MW at DDA Baansera Park, New Delhi. The project will be developed under the renewable energy service company model. The successful bidder will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project for 25 years. The last date to submit the bids is February 11, 2026. Bids will be opened the following day.

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) issued a request for proposal to procure 10 MW of solar power under a captive/group captive open access arrangement. IITR will hold 26% of the equity shares in the solar project, valued at ₹36 million (~$398,418.84). Selected bidders must sign a 25-year power purchase agreement. Bids must be submitted by February 21, 2026. Bids will be opened on February 23, 2026. The scope of work entails the design, engineering, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar project.

An increasing number of commercial and industrial entities, residential apartment complexes, and large institutions are seeking to transition to renewable energy options that are more cost-effective than conventional energy. Among such options, rooftop solar has emerged as one of the most affordable and effective sources. Many industries that have adopted solar energy are benefiting from long-term cost savings, improved energy security, and enhanced resilience against power disruptions.

Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, commissioned a 198 MW wind energy project under a group captive model in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The facility comprises 55 wind turbines of 3.6-MW each and is expected to produce approximately 31 million units of clean electricity annually. This output will supply renewable power to Tata Steel as part of its decarbonization efforts. The project was delivered through TPREL’s in-house engineering, procurement, and construction execution model.

Venture capital investment in energy storage gained momentum in 2025, rising 30% year over year to $4.8 billion across 75 deals, even as total corporate funding for the sector declined 19% to $16.2 billion, according to Mercom Capital Group’s Annual and Q4 2025 Funding and M&A Report for Energy Storage. Overall corporate funding totaled $16.2 billion across 119 deals in 2025, down from $19.9 billion raised through 116 deals in 2024.

The announcement of the U.S.-India trade deal, under which Indian exports will attract a 18% tariff instead of 25%, is expected to bring relief to Indian solar exporters. U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that he had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the two countries had agreed to a trade pact under which Indian exports would now be subject to 18% tariff. The solar industry welcomed the new reduced tariff, ending months of uncertainty.

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