+
APTEL Reverses KSERC's Power Tariff Ruling
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

APTEL Reverses KSERC's Power Tariff Ruling

The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) recently overturned a Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) order, ruling that KSERC had overstepped its jurisdiction by intervening in a multi-state electricity dispute. The dispute centered around the generation and sale of solar power, which falls under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission's (CERC) authority.

The issue began when the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) issued a tender for 300 MW of solar power, structured under a Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). 

The PSA, submitted for KSERC's approval, faced two significant alterations:

KSERC redefined “Appropriate Commission” to include both CERC and KSERC, potentially causing jurisdictional conflicts.

KSERC capped the tariff payable by KSEB at ₹2.44 (~$0.029)/kWh, even if CERC approved a higher rate for the solar power producer, ReNew Power.

SECI argued that the PSA and related agreements involved a composite scheme that required uniform regulation by CERC to avoid inconsistencies. KSERC defended its changes, citing its authority to regulate non-tariff aspects of the PSA under the Electricity Act 2003.

APTEL sided with SECI, ruling that KSERC's tariff cap and jurisdictional claims were inappropriate for inter-state transactions. The Tribunal emphasized that only CERC has the authority to regulate such matters, due to the interconnected nature of the agreements.

As a result, APTEL annulled KSERC’s modifications, reaffirming that CERC is the sole authority for all aspects of the PSA, including non-tariff disputes. This decision ensures consistency and prevents regulatory conflicts in multi-state electricity transactions.

Additionally, the Tribunal recently granted POWERGRID Southern Interconnector Transmission System a 289-day extension to complete a transmission project, acknowledging delays due to "force majeure" events.

The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) recently overturned a Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) order, ruling that KSERC had overstepped its jurisdiction by intervening in a multi-state electricity dispute. The dispute centered around the generation and sale of solar power, which falls under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission's (CERC) authority.The issue began when the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) issued a tender for 300 MW of solar power, structured under a Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). The PSA, submitted for KSERC's approval, faced two significant alterations:KSERC redefined “Appropriate Commission” to include both CERC and KSERC, potentially causing jurisdictional conflicts.KSERC capped the tariff payable by KSEB at ₹2.44 (~$0.029)/kWh, even if CERC approved a higher rate for the solar power producer, ReNew Power.SECI argued that the PSA and related agreements involved a composite scheme that required uniform regulation by CERC to avoid inconsistencies. KSERC defended its changes, citing its authority to regulate non-tariff aspects of the PSA under the Electricity Act 2003.APTEL sided with SECI, ruling that KSERC's tariff cap and jurisdictional claims were inappropriate for inter-state transactions. The Tribunal emphasized that only CERC has the authority to regulate such matters, due to the interconnected nature of the agreements.As a result, APTEL annulled KSERC’s modifications, reaffirming that CERC is the sole authority for all aspects of the PSA, including non-tariff disputes. This decision ensures consistency and prevents regulatory conflicts in multi-state electricity transactions.Additionally, the Tribunal recently granted POWERGRID Southern Interconnector Transmission System a 289-day extension to complete a transmission project, acknowledging delays due to force majeure events.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code