MNRE Clarifies ALMM Implementation for Solar PV Cells
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an Office Memorandum (OM) containing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to clarify the implementation of the Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) for Solar PV Cells (List-II), following the initial OM dated July 28, 2025. The first version of the ALMM List-II for solar PV cells was published on July 31, 2025, which set the “Cut-off date” for various exemptions as August 31, 2025.
CERC Introduces ‘Solar Hour’ Access and New Rules for Renewables
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued an update to its regulations governing access to the inter-State transmission system (ISTS) with the notification of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and General Network Access to the inter-State Transmission System) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025. These extensive amendments were published on August 31, 2025.
CERC Seeks Stakeholder Input on Draft Guidelines for Virtual Power Purchase Agreements
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has released draft guidelines for Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) and is inviting comments, suggestions, and objections from stakeholders and interested parties. This development follows a request from the Ministry of Power dated March 3, 2025, urging CERC to establish a suitable regulatory framework for VPPAs.
CERC Overhauls Power Exchange Regulations
The CERC has directed all power exchanges to discontinue the provision of user-defined time slots (including hourly slots) in TAM, Green TAM, and High-Price TAM within one week from the date of the order. Power exchanges are directed to obtain a declaration from buyers at the requisition stage regarding any concurrent auction notices for the same requirement on other platforms. They are also instructed to desist from offering rebates or waivers on the auction initiation fee and charge a minimal non-refundable fee to encourage serious participation.
Public Hearing on Draft Amendments to Cross Border Electricity Trade Regulations
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has announced a public hearing to discuss the Draft Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Cross Border Trade of Electricity) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2024 on May 9, 2025, starting at 10:30 AM via online video conferencing. To facilitate proper arrangements for the online hearing, interested participants from organizations are requested to communicate the name(s) of their proposed representative(s) to the undersigned by May 5, 2025.
Power Ministry Seeks Stakeholder Input on Draft Amendments to Long-Term Thermal Power Procurement Bidding Documents
The Ministry of Power (MoP) has released draft amendments to the Model Bidding Documents (MBDs) used for the long-term procurement of electricity by Distribution Licensees from thermal power generating stations established on a Design, Build, Finance, Own, and Operate (DBFOO) basis. The Ministry is inviting comments on these proposed changes from all stakeholders within the next 30 days, with a deadline of May 14, 2025.
CERC Notifies Escalation Rates for March 2025 in Line with Ministry of Power Guidelines
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has announced the monthly escalation rates applicable for March 2025. These rates pertain to the payment calculations for procurement of power by distribution licensees under long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
CERC Seeks Public Input on IEX Green Real Time Market Proposal
IEX, through Petition No. 277/MP/2024, has requested the CERC’s approval to launch a dedicated G-RTM within its existing Real Time Market (RTM) segment. This proposed market would facilitate exclusive trading in Renewable Energy (RE). The CERC is seeking feedback from all stakeholders on IEX’s proposal. The deadline for submitting feedback by any concerned stakeholders is April 23, 2025.
CERC Announces Monthly Escalation Rates for Power Procurement Payments in February 2025
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued a notification detailing the monthly escalation rates applicable for February 2025 for the purpose of payments related to the procurement of power by distribution licensees. These escalation rates are used to adjust the payment amounts in power purchase agreements to account for fluctuations in the costs of key components, such as imported coal and its transportation and handling.
CERC Approves Procedure for Maintaining Minimum Generation Levels at Section 62 Generators
The procedure applies to all regional entity thermal generating stations with tariffs determined under Section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
CERC (Terms and Conditions of Tariff) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions of Tariff) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025, effective from April 1, 2024. These amendments introduce several changes impacting power generation tariffs, cost calculations, and operational procedures.
CERC Amends Consultant Appointment Rules, Prioritizing Expertise and Performance
The regulations now explicitly allow the CERC to engage “Academic and Research Institutions/Organizations” as consultants. A new provision for “Single Source Selection” has been introduced for specific circumstances. This allows the CERC to directly appoint a consultant without competitive bidding.