2GW Solar Tender: UPERC Approves Preference To Local Generators

2GW Solar Tender: UPERC Approves Preference To Local Generators

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has now approved the plan of the state discom-UPPCL to give preference to solar power plants inside UP in case of ties. The judgement on the same came to the fore when the state discom had approached the state power regulator for deviation in the tender documents. The tender was especially issued in the state for setting up of solar power projects of up to 2 GW of capacities.

The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL), earlier had issued a tender, inviting proposals for setting up grid connected solar power projects in India on a Build Own Operate and Maintenance (BOOM) basis for an aggregate capacity of 2000 MW. 

The tender had mentioned that at the time of auctions in case of tie between two bidders time preference will be given to the bidder quoting his last tariff earlier than others. However, if there is still a tie, higher rank will be given to the bidder who is planning to set up the project in the state to promote infrastructural development in the state. UPPCL in its petition also said that after the intervention of the state commission, it had also received approvals for the deviation in the case. 

UPERC order

Some of these deviations were also related to the return of performance bank guarantee. The last tender document talked about return of this guarantee amount within 45 days which has been amended to 30 days for faster disbursals. Another item was related to the timeline for tariff adoption for auctions which has been increased from 15 days to 30 days. 

The UP  Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) after hearing all the arguments accepted the plea of the UPPCL to allow the deviation. “The Commission, after hearing the matter and perusing the documents placed on record, approve the bidding document with deviations contained in par 13 © above for procurement of 2000 MW of solar PV based power through competitive bidding. UPPCL shall ensure alignment of tender document with above deviations and only then proceed with bidding,” the UPERC order said.