NTPC Designated RE Implementing Agency for Long Term Access in ISTS Network

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has designated state-owned NTPC as the renewable energy (RE) implementing agency to facilitate the application of connectivity and Long-Term Access (LTA) in the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) network.

As per the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) Regulation (7^th amendment) for connectivity, LTA and Medium-term Open Access in ISTS matters, any company or an entity designated by the central or state government as renewable energy implementing agency will act as an intermediary procurer to select and buy power from renewable energy generating stations and sell it to one or more distribution licensees or any other person in accordance with the guidelines issued from time to time by the power ministry, MNRE, or the state government.

Such entity can act as a facilitator for the projects based on standalone storage sources of an installed capacity of 50 MW or above.

In another significant development, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100 percent of the issued and paid-up share capital of North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) by NTPC from the Government of India (GoI).

NEEPCO is a power utility, primarily operating in the north-eastern (NE) region of the country. It’s principal business activity is power generation via hydro, thermal and solar power.

Additionally, NTPC has also received CCI consent for the acquisition of 74.50 percent of the issued and paid-up share capital of THDC India Ltd (THDC) from the government.

THDC is a government company with 74.50 percent of its total shares held by the GoI and 25.50 percent of its shares held by the UP Government as on March 31, 2019. It is a Central Public Sector Unit (CPSU) and under the administrative control of the power ministry.

NTPC is a Maharatna Company having presence in the power generation business. It’s principal business activity is electric power generation via coal-based thermal power plants. It is also engaged in the business of electricity generation from hydro and renewable energy sources.