Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) from consumers with a contract demand of at least 500 kW, expressing their willingness to meet their power demand through renewable energy.

The initiative is also intended to assess the extent to which applicants aim to achieve decarbonization goals and comply with renewable purchase obligation targets.

Bids must be submitted by May 28, 2025.

Applicants having a contract demand of 500 kW or more, operating within Odisha, and sourcing power through Odisha DISCOMs, captive generation, open access, or third-party arrangements with power generators are eligible.

Based on the responses, GRIDCO will aggregate the demand for renewable power, including solar, wind, hybrid, and storage-based solutions, and take measures to ensure the renewable energy supply meets the interested parties’ requirements.

GRIDCO aims to develop approximately 10.96 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This capacity includes 7.5 GW of solar power, 2 GW of wind energy, 0.19 GW from small hydroelectric projects, 0.06 GW from large hydro projects, and 1.2 GW from pumped storage projects.

Applicants procuring renewable energy through GRIDCO can receive multiple incentives and benefits, including the opportunity to procure renewable energy at a lower cost, owing to GRIDCO’s role in facilitating bulk procurement. No cross-subsidy surcharge will be levied on applicants sourcing renewable energy from GRIDCO.

Captive or open access consumers who consume energy from renewable energy projects within Odisha during the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022 period are eligible for an exemption of ₹0.50 (~$0.0058)/kWh on the electricity duty. This exemption is applicable for fifteen years from the commissioning date of the project. If the project is commissioned on or before March 30, 2026, the exemption period is extended by an additional five years.

Additionally, energy storage projects employing any technology are exempt from paying electricity duty on input energy at ₹0.50 (~$0.0058)/kWh for fifteen years from the commercial operation date, provided the input energy is sourced from renewable energy projects located in Odisha.

Captive or open access consumers are also entitled to an exemption of ₹0.20 (~$0.0023)/kWh on state transmission utility charges for energy consumed from renewable energy projects commissioned during the policy period. This benefit is available for fifteen years. In cases where the project is commissioned on or before March 31, 2026, the exemption is extended to twenty years. The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission will issue the necessary orders to operationalize these provisions.

Additionally, a 25% exemption on wheeling charges is available to captive or open access consumers for power from renewable energy projects commissioned within the state during the policy period. This exemption applies for fifteen years. If the injection and drawal points are connected to two different power distribution companies, the exemption on wheeling charges increases to 50%. The Commission will issue corresponding orders in this regard.

In January, the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency invited EoI to conduct detailed surveys and prepare feasibility reports for grid-connected rooftop solar power projects.

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