The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) disbursed payments to the tune of ₹5.43 billion (~$72 million) to solar and wind power generators for the power purchased in January 2022. The disbursed amount accounted for 78% of the total amount paid by the nodal agency in the month.

The nodal agency disbursed a total amount of ₹6.9 billion (~$91.51 million) during the month of January, which included solar and wind power purchases, reimbursements to developers, duties, and other remunerations.

Clean Solar power (Gulbarga), Solar Edge Power & Energy, Green Infra Wind Energy, Adani Wind Energy Kutchh Three, Eden Renewables, and SBG Cleantech Projectco Five were the primary beneficiaries of the payments made in January.

For renewable energy developers dealing with the irregular and more often delayed payments by the state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), SECI’s regular monthly disbursements are a welcome relief.

DISCOMs owed renewable generators ₹141.42 billion (~$1.89 billion) in overdue payments (excluding disputed amounts) at the end of January 2022, according to the data released by the Ministry of Power.

SECI disbursed ₹116.9 million (~$1.55 million) to solar power developers for the goods and services tax (GST) and safeguard duty claims during January as per the annuity method.

The nodal agency also released ₹112.4 million (~$1.49 million) as subsidy under the rooftop program and ₹32 million (~$424,394) as transmission charges.

Sukhbir Agro Energy, Sudhir Power Limited, and Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions availed the maximum amounts under the rooftop solar program.

It also paid ₹919.4 million (~$12.19 million) to contractors and service providers as payments during the month of January.

The agency released ₹332 million (~$4.4 million) as a refund of extension charges.

SECI disbursed ₹4.92 billion (~$65.85 million) to solar and wind power generators for the power purchased in December 2021. The disbursed amount accounted for 86.59% of the total amount paid by the nodal agency for the month.

In October 2021, the Ministry of Power notified ruled for timely recovery of costs due to a “change in law” event. The Ministry issued a formula to calculate the amount of the impact of ‘Change in Law.’ If the agreement signed by the affected parties does not lay down any formula. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has been asking the renewable energy developers to approach the power procurers, in this case, SECI, to settle the compensation claims mutually. The procurers could approach the Commission only for the calculation and verification of the compensation amount.