The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has released the CSERC (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Tariff for Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations, 2025, marking a crucial step toward promoting clean energy and accelerating the state’s energy transition. The notification, dated 10 November 2025, outlines the rules that will govern tariff determination for renewable energy (RE) projects supplying power to distribution licensees in Chhattisgarh.
These regulations will come into effect on 1 April 2025 and remain valid for five years.
A Push Toward India’s Renewable Energy Commitments
India’s national goals—achieving Net Zero by 2070, installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, and reducing 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2030—form the backdrop of these reforms. With commitments made at COP-26, and growing emphasis on green energy deployment, the CSERC regulations are tailored to support the Centre’s mission.
The Commission notes the increasing policy focus on renewable energy, including:
- CERC’s 2024 Tariff Regulations for RE Sources
- Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022
- Growing opportunities such as wind potential sites identified by NIWE/CWET and CREDA within Chhattisgarh
These factors underline the need for a transparent and supportive tariff framework to attract investments in clean energy.
Scope and Coverage of the New RE Tariff Regulations
1. Applicability Period
- Applicable from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030 for new projects.
- Validity of the Regulations: Five years beginning 1 April 2025.
2. Geographic and Sectoral Scope
- Applicable to all renewable energy generating stations set up in Chhattisgarh.
- Applicable where generated power is supplied exclusively to state distribution licensees on a long-term basis.
3. Application to New Projects
The regulations apply to all RE projects achieving Commercial Operation Date (COD) between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2030, provided they meet the eligibility criteria under Regulation 4.
4. Application to Existing Projects
For projects that:
- Achieved COD before 31 March 2025, and
- Have a long-term PPA of 20 years or more
the earlier tariff orders issued by CSERC will continue to apply for the tariff period.
However, fuel-based RE projects will have their energy charges determined as per provisions of the new 2025 regulations.
Eligibility Criteria for Renewable Projects
The regulations clearly define which types of projects may qualify for tariff determination:
4.1 Wind Power Projects
- Must be new projects using new machinery and equipment.
4.2 Hydro Projects
- Includes mini, micro, and small hydro projects at approved sites using new machinery.
- Includes Large Hydro Projects (LHP) above 25 MW.
4.3 Non-Fossil Fuel Co-generation
- Must use new plant and machinery and comply with the prescribed definition.
4.4 Solar Projects
Covers:
- Solar PV
- Floating Solar
- Solar Thermal
- Rooftop Solar
All based on technologies approved by the Central Government.
Floating solar projects combined with other RE technologies will be classified as Renewable Hybrid Projects.
4.5 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Projects
- Must be based on Rankine cycle technology using MSW or RDF as fuel.
4.6 Biogas-Based Power Projects
- Must use 100% biogas-fired engines, grid-connected systems, and approved biogas technologies.
- Feedstock may include agricultural residue, cow dung, poultry waste, and other bio-waste.
4.7 Renewable Hybrid Energy Projects
- Must include at least 33% capacity from one renewable source.
- Power must be injected through a common interconnection point where metering is also performed.
4.8 Biomass Gasifier Projects
- Must use 100% producer gas engines with nationally approved gasifier technology.
4.9 Renewable Energy with Storage
Projects qualify if they:
- Use storage (partly or fully)
- Store renewable energy generated onsite
- Share the same point of grid interconnection as the RE generator
A Step Toward a Cleaner and More Investible Energy Market
By clearly defining technology categories, eligibility norms, and project applicability timelines, the CSERC 2025 RE Tariff Regulations create a more predictable environment for investors, developers, and distribution utilities.
The Commission aims to:
- Accelerate renewable capacity addition in Chhattisgarh
- Lower the cost of meeting Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs)
- Support the national trajectory toward large-scale decarbonization
With various government-backed schemes promoting energy transition and bundled renewable power, these regulations are poised to strengthen the state’s contribution to India’s clean energy shift.