HPERC Sets Levelised Tariff for Solar Projects for Last 6 Months of FY19-20

• HPERC has set the generic levelised tariff for solar PV projects for the last six months of the financial year FY 2019-20 between Rs 3.93 and 4.06/kWh

The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has in its latest order set the generic levelised tariff for solar PV projects for the last six months of the financial year FY 2019-20 (i.e. October 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020).

The commission stated that it had requested the major stakeholders in the state including Consumer representative, State Government, Directorate of Energy, HIMURJA, SJVNL, HPPCL, HPPTCL and HPSEB Ltd i.e. the Discoms to send their suggestions/ objections on the aforesaid proposal in December 2019.

In its order, the commission stated that the tariff has been worked out by taking into consideration the International solar PV module weekly spot price, the capital cost considered for the first six months of FY 2019-20 for the determination of solar PV tariff and various other State-specific situations.

The State Commission has set the generic levelised tariff for projects up to 1 MW capacity to be set up in areas other than industrial and urban areas at Rs 3.98/kWh and for projects ranging between 1 and 5 MW at Rs 3.93/kWh. For projects to be set up in industrial and urban areas the tariffs will be Rs 4.06/kWh (up to 1 MW) and Rs 4.01/kWh (1 to 5  MW).

It was also stated that as per the state power purchase regulations the proposed tariffs shall be applicable for smaller capacities only i.e. up to 5 MW, and the rate appears to be reasonable for such capacities when viewed with reference to the specific geographical conditions of the State. In case for higher capacities, if the HPSEBL (i.e. Discoms) requires such power, it shall preferably purchase the solar power through Solar Energy Corporation of India or else through the competitive bidding route.

It was also informed that apart from consumer representatives, no other stakeholder(s) had offered their comments/ suggestions on the proposal. And in view of the above, the proposal does not require any modification and can be finalised without any changes.