The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has granted in-principle approval for BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) to conduct competitive bidding and deploy five battery energy storage system (BESS) installations across south and west Delhi, benefiting about 0.266 million (mn) consumers. The regulator approved the plan as a measure to strengthen grid reliability and accelerate integration of renewable energy into the city's power mix. Officials said the move will reduce peak-demand stress and enable more efficient power procurement.

The project comprises a cumulative 97.5 megawatt (MW)/195 megawatt hour (MWh) configuration across five grid substations. The proposed grid-scale sites are Dwarka with five megawatt (MW)/10 megawatt hour (MWh), Bindapur with 15 MW/30 MWh, Hari Nagar with seven point five MW/15 MWh, Sagarpur with 30 MW/60 MWh and Pappankala with 40 MW/80 MWh. BRPL previously commissioned a 20 MW/40 MWh facility at Kilokari in south Delhi and envisages the multi-site deployment as an expansion of that capability.

According to BRPL submissions to the commission, the proposed locations have shown an annual peak demand growth rate of approximately 8 per cent over the past three years while renewable energy penetration in the grid has continued to rise. The BESS units are designed to operate both as load and as a source of stored electricity, charging when supply is available and discharging during periods of high demand to improve operational flexibility. Officials noted that the systems will enhance reliability and reduce reliance on costly peaking power.

Financial analysis submitted by the distribution company estimates annual benefits of about Rs 883.5 mn over a 12-year operational life arising from energy arbitrage, participation in ancillary services markets, deferred network investments and reduced capital expenditure. Savings from peak load management and ancillary services are expected to be reflected in lower power purchase costs for consumers. Regulators described the approval as a significant step towards modernising the capital's electricity infrastructure and supporting the city's transition to cleaner energy sources.