Bihar's Power Future: 200 MW Solar + 400 MWh Storage Cleared

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved Bihar State Power Holding Company Ltd.’s (BSPHCL) plan to procure 200 MW of solar power along with a 100 MW/400 MWh energy storage system (ESS) through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) under its Tranche-XV program.

SECI has proposed a tariff of Rs 3.42/kWh, with an additional trading margin of Rs 0.07/kWh payable to SECI. The project will also benefit from exemption from transmission charges under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) Sharing Regulations. BSPHCL noted that increasing renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets and significant evening peak-hour shortages—reaching up to 2,100 MW—necessitate this procurement, as the deficit is currently met through costly power exchange purchases.

A BSPHCL spokesperson stated that the approval is essential to help meet Bihar’s rising energy demand, particularly during evening peak periods.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.