RERC Approves Tariffs for 228.85 MW Solar Under PM-KUSUM

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has cleared the way for 78 solar PV projects under the PM-KUSUM Component-C scheme, approving tariffs ranging from INR 2.780 to INR 3.040 per kWh for an aggregate capacity of 228.85 MW.

The approved projects, which emerged through transparent competitive bidding under JVVNL's TN-15 tender, will have 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs). The solar developers include Vedu Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., Puran Chand Swami, Ram Khiladi Meena, amongst others.

The Commission has issued several directives to the state DISCOMs, including JVVNL, to ensure smooth grid integration and financial efficiency. These include mandatory load-flow studies to ensure grid stability, with an example already underway at the Bansur Grid Substation. Early results show that solar generation met up to 97 percent of agricultural demand during peak seasons and reduced grid imports by 15 percent during lean seasons.

For future bidding rounds, DISCOMs have been advised to analyse market trends thoroughly before submitting tariffs to the Commission. They are also encouraged to explore grouping substations under single tenders to optimise tariffs, though a similar effort under TN-10 attracted only 11.59 MW, indicating the need for a more refined approach.

RERC has reinforced the importance of adhering to MNRE’s Domestic Content Requirement (DCR), mandating that only Indian-made solar cells and modules be used. DISCOMs have also been instructed to actively manage changes in law, such as customs duty revisions, and ensure any cost savings are promptly passed on to the consumers.

JVVNL has so far commissioned 101.92 MW across 39 plants, with the remaining capacity targeted for commissioning by December 2025. In total, 548.95 MW of PPAs have been signed under the scheme, out of 601 MW approved

RERC noted that the approved solar tariffs, peaking at INR 3.040 per unit, are significantly lower than the DISCOMs’ average variable power cost of INR 4.03/unit, potentially yielding savings of up to INR 2.81/unit when replacing expensive conventional power.

The Commission emphasized strict adherence to MNRE timelines, as the PM-KUSUM scheme is set to conclude in March 2026. It also underlined the importance of decentralized solar in improving rural energy access and reducing dependence on centralized fossil power, though it warned that such efforts must be backed by robust grid infrastructure and planning.