GERC Approves INR 2.83/kWh Tariff for Surplus Solar Power Under PM-KUSUM

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has approved a tariff of INR 2.83 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for purchasing surplus solar power generated under Component-C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme.

The petition was filed in 2023 by four state distribution companies, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company, Madhya Gujarat Vij Company, Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company, and Paschim Gujarat Vij Company,along with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL), citing a similar rate approved by GERC in a 2019 order.

Following a directive from GERC, the petitioners issued a public notice to gather stakeholder feedback. The Gujarat Krushi Vikas Grahak Suraksha Sangh objected to the proposed tariff and demanded an increased rate of INR 5/kWh for a five-year period. The Sangh also recommended reducing the minimum farmer participation threshold from 70 percent to 50 percent on power supply feeders to be eligible under the scheme and suggested giving priority to feeders with higher participation rates.

Responding to these concerns, Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd. (PGVCL) clarified that maintaining the 70 percent participation requirement under Gujarat’s Suryashakti Kisan Yojana is vital for ensuring strong farmer engagement and the financial sustainability of solar-powered feeders.

By approving the INR 2.83/kWh tariff, GERC aims to create a stable and transparent framework for surplus solar power procurement, encouraging more farmers to adopt renewable energy solutions across Gujarat.