MERC’s Green Light: A 700 MW Win for Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved a major solar power procurement plan for the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL), strengthening the state’s renewable energy portfolio.

Under the approval, MSEDCL will procure 700 MW of solar power from JSW Neo Energy through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) as part of the ISTS Solar Tranche-XIII scheme. The long-term power purchase agreement will run for 25 years at a tariff of ₹2.63 per kWh.

The initiative is aimed at helping Maharashtra meet its rising Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, which are set to increase from 29.91% in 2024–25 to 43.33% by 2029–30, while also supporting the state’s long-term renewable capacity expansion.

As part of the approval, MSEDCL has also committed to an extensive energy storage roadmap, including 2,750 MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 3,500 MW of pumped storage projects (PSP). MERC noted that the procurement would “significantly contribute to meeting both past and future RPO shortfalls.”

News by Rahul Yelligetti.