CERC Approves Rs 2.15 Per kWh Tariff For 170 MW Neemuch Project
An earlier developer default led to contract termination by state authorities and Indian Railways in early 2024. RUMSL issued a fresh tender in March 2024 which attracted around ten technically qualified bidders including Tata Power, NTPC Renewable Energy and Renew Solar Power. The lowest initial quote was Rs 2.30 per kWh and an electronic reverse auction lasting nearly 140 minutes and 16 rounds drove the price to Rs 2.15 per kWh.
Waaree Forever Energies Private Limited was the successful bidder and received the Letter of Award in December 2024. Power purchase agreements (PPAs) were signed on 24 February 2025 under which power will be supplied to two major procurers, with MPPMCL contracting 308 mn units and Indian Railways via West Central Railways contracting 89 mn units. The commission reviewed the bidding process and found it compliant with Ministry of Power competitive bidding guidelines.
The Government of Madhya Pradesh had allowed procedural relaxations to improve project bankability before bidding. The tariff approval is expected to support renewable energy growth in central India and contribute to the national target of achieving 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. State authorities emphasised that the discovered tariff is lower than many conventional procurement rates and will aid affordable green electricity and Renewable Purchase Obligation targets.