Assam clears long-term plan to source 500 MW coal power

24 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission has given in-principle approval to Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) to procure 500 MW of coal-based power under 25-year contracts, as the state looks to meet growing electricity demand.

The procurement will be implemented in phases — 200 MW starting FY26 and another 300 MW from FY29 — at a levelised tariff of Rs 5.79 per kWh, discovered through competitive bidding on the power ministry’s DEEP portal.

The decision comes amid Assam’s accelerating energy needs driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and rural electrification. Officials said the new power agreements were guided by projections in the Central Electricity Authority’s Resource Adequacy Plan, which recommends fresh coal-based contracts until FY35 to ensure stable supply and meet renewable purchase obligations.

APDCL currently sources electricity from 36 entities, including central allocations, IPPs, and its own hydro plants. However, seasonal variation in hydropower output — due to erratic monsoons and drought-like conditions — has made grid reliability a challenge.

“This is a bridging measure to address short- to mid-term supply gaps,” an APDCL official said. “While we scale up renewables, we need firm coal-based supply to avoid disruptions.”

AERC has cleared the deal under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and will monitor performance, environmental compliance, and tariff revisions. Officials also confirmed that the procurement is part of a broader transition plan that includes hybrid renewable projects and large-scale battery storage.

Image source:www.orfonline.org

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..