NTPC has invited bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction of grid-connected rooftop solar power projects with a cumulative capacity of 4,106 kW at five locations of the Container Corporation of India. The scope of work also includes design, testing, and commissioning, as well as other activities such as rooftop strength testing, water arrangements, electricity provisions, security measures, transportation logistics, and the assessment of potential capacity needed to establish solar projects.

The Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses of DISCOM decreased to 15.41% in the financial year (FY) 2022-23 from 17% in FY 2021-22, the Ministry of Power highlighted in its year-end review. The Ministry attributed the improvement to the various measures taken under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. The program was introduced to help DISCOMs improve their operational efficiencies and financial sustainability by providing result-linked financial assistance to DISCOMs who achieve the basic minimum benchmarks and meet the pre-qualifying criteria.

The Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation (TSREDCO) has invited proposals for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar projects with a combined capacity of 1.08 MW. The projects will have to utilize Mono PERC solar modules. Additionally, TSREDCO has invited proposals for a rooftop hybrid power project with a capacity of 40 kW, also using Mono PERC solar modules. The last date for the submission of bids is January 8, 2024. Bids will be opened on January 9.

Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency has invited bids for a five-year operation and maintenance contract for 2.89 MW of mini-grid and decentralized distributed generation solar projects installed on a revenue model basis. The projects include 16 mini-grids with a combined capacity of 2,332 kW and 27 DDG solar projects of 559.4 kW. The last day to submit the bids is January 9, 2024. Bids will be opened the next day. Bidders must submit a tender fee of ₹11,800 (~$141) and an earnest money deposit of ₹25,000 (~$300).

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) paid solar and wind power producers ₹9.07 billion (~$108.9 million) for the energy purchased in November 2023. The disbursement reflected a decline of 9% from October but increased by 15% on a year-over-year basis. In November, disbursements to solar and wind developers constituted 96.5% of the total payments. The nodal agency disbursed a total of ₹9.4 billion (~$112.8 million) during the month. SECI disbursed ₹134.5 million (~$1.6 million) to compensate a contractor involved in the execution of the agency’s project by Tata Power Solar Systems.

The state government of Himachal Pradesh has directed all state departments to stop buying diesel or petroleum vehicles and promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) on a large scale. The departments will be able to purchase petrol or diesel vehicles only after the approval of the state cabinet on a case-by-case basis. The initiative is in line with the state’s pledge for a Clean and Green Himachal announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in his first budget speech.

Distribution companies owed power generators ₹655.95 billion (~$7.87 billion) in total dues for the monthly billing cycle in December 2023. The current outstanding dues, excluding the latest monthly dues, are ₹321.31 billion (~$3.85 billion). The overdue before the trigger date is ₹320.82 billion (~$3.84 billion), after which the amount will increase by ₹494.6 million (~$5.93 million) as the late payment surcharge (LPS) would become applicable.

Bihar State Power Generation Company has invited bids to select a consultant for owner’s engineer services for a 185 MW grid-connected solar project with a 254 MWh battery energy storage system in Kajra village, Lakhisarai district. The last day to submit the bids is January 22, 2024. Bids will be opened on the same day. Bidders must submit a non-refundable tender fee of ₹10,000 (~$120) and an earnest money deposit of ₹226,000 (~$2,712)

Power infrastructure investment trust IndiGrid has received letters of intent from REC Power Development and Consultancy for the construction of two greenfield interstate transmission projects secured through the tariff-based competitive bidding mechanism. The projects will be developed on a build, own, operate, and transfer basis, spanning a tenure of 35 years. With an estimated capital expenditure exceeding ₹10 billion (~$120 million), the projects are expected to enhance IndiGrid’s presence in the dynamic power sector. The construction timeline for each project is approximately 24 months.