Hubballi Electricity Supply Company (HESCOM) has completed an auction to develop 95 MW of solar power projects across Karnataka under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The projects fall under Component C of the programme, which focuses on solarising agricultural feeders at the substation level to improve power supply for farmers while advancing the state’s renewable energy objectives.

Seven developers have been selected to execute the projects, including Sri Srinivasa Constructions, Solar91 Cleantech and Anil Patted Solar Energy. Other successful bidders are Mahadev Damodar Dixit, Suresh Vijaybasappa Patted, G G Anandswamy Gaddadevarmath and Mailareppa Bhimappa Basidoni. Together, these companies will implement 13 solar projects across areas served by HESCOM.

The auction resulted in competitive tariffs, with winning bids ranging between Rs 2.76 per kWh and Rs 2.85 per kWh, below the ceiling tariff of Rs 2.89 per kWh set by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission. The lower tariffs highlight strong developer interest and the increasing cost competitiveness of solar power in Karnataka.

All projects will be implemented under the Renewable Energy Service Company model, under which developers will manage the entire project lifecycle, including site surveys, design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing and commissioning. The scope also includes the installation of around 22,000 irrigation pump sets for farmers and the construction of 11 kV transmission lines to connect the solar plants to the grid.

Each project will incorporate remote monitoring systems to track performance, and developers must achieve a minimum annual capacity utilisation factor of 19 per cent to ensure efficient operations.

The tender guidelines emphasise domestic manufacturing, requiring the use of solar cells and modules produced in India and approved under the government’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. This aligns with national efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

The primary objective of the initiative is to supply reliable daytime electricity to agricultural consumers. By powering farm feeders with solar energy, Karnataka aims to reduce its power subsidy burden while improving the quality and reliability of supply for farmers. HESCOM has set 31 March 2026 as the deadline for commercial operation of the projects.

The auction follows an earlier tender in which 30 companies were selected to develop more than 423 MW of solar capacity. Together, these initiatives underscore Karnataka’s rapid progress in expanding solar infrastructure and supporting sustainable agriculture through clean energy deployment.