The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has fixed ₹2.72 (~$0.03893)/kWh as the generic tariff for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects for FY 2018-19. It has also fixed ₹2.87 (~$0.04108)/kWh as the generic tariff for wind energy projects in Maharashtra.

MERC passed the order while reviewing a petition regarding the determination of generic tariffs for renewable energy for FY 2018-19 (August 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019). Since tariffs realized through competitive bidding tends to be lower than generic tariffs, DISCOMs tend to opt for auctions rather than procure power at generic tariff rates.

In case of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, the useful life will be considered at 25 years. MERC has fixed ₹2.72 (~$0.03893)/kWh as the generic tariff for solar PV projects.

MERC also fixed ₹3.22 (~$0.04609)/kWh as the generic tariff for solar rooftop PV projects. These tariffs will be valid for projects commissioned from August 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

The tariff of ₹2.87 (~$0.04108)/kWh for wind projects will be applicable on all wind projects commissioned between August 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019 for a period of 13 years from the date of commissioning. Recently Maharashtra set a tariff ceiling of ₹2.52/kWh for a wind tender which is ₹0.35/kWh less the new generic tariff.

The useful life of small hydro projects (SHPs), including micro hydro projects is 35 years. MERC has fixed ₹5.36 (~$0.07672)/kWh without accelerated depreciation (AD) and ₹5.64 (~$0.08073)/kWh with AD as the generic tariff for mini and micro hydro projects up to 500 kW. It has fixed ₹4.86 (~$0.06956)/kWh without AD and ₹5.14 (~$0.07357)/kWh with AD as the generic tariff for mini and micro hydro projects of a capacity above 500 kW and up to 1 MW.

For SHPs above 1 MW and up to 5 MW, the generic tariff has been fixed at ₹4.36 (~$0.06241)/kWh without AD and ₹4.64 (~$0.06641)/kWh with AD. For SHPs above 5 MW and up to 25 MW, the generic tariff is ₹3.66 (~$0.05239)/kWh without AD and ₹3.92 (`$0.05611)/kWh with AD.

The above tariffs will apply to projects commissioned between August 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. The tariffs will be valid for a period of 35 years for SHPs of capacity up to 5 MW, and for 13 years in case of SHPs with installed capacity greater than 5 MW and up to 25 MW.

MERC has the fixed generic tariff for biomass-based power projects at ₹7.30 (~$0.10449)/kWh without AD and ₹7.44 (~$0.10649)/kWh with AD. The tariff will apply to projects commissioned from August 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

In its order, MERC also fixed ₹4.99 (~$0.07142)/kWh as the generic tariff for non-fossil-fuel-based cogeneration projects. The tariff will apply to projects commissioned between August 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019.

In July 2018, MERC had issued its final regulations for the forecasting, scheduling, and deviation settlement for solar and wind power generation in the state.

Maharashtra has also taken a tough stance when it comes to solar and non-solar RPO enforcement.