The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has introduced a draft framework for resource adequacy, aimed at ensuring sufficient electricity capacity additions to meet the state’s growing demand. The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Framework for Resource Adequacy) Regulations, 2025 are designed to facilitate a balanced mix of energy contracts at the least cost while ensuring grid reliability. Scope and Applicability The new regulations will apply to: Generating companies Distribution licensees State load dispatch centres (SLDCs) State transmission utilities Other grid-connected stakeholders in Himachal Pradesh Through this framework, the HPERC seeks to improve generation and transmission planning, ensuring the state’s electricity demand is met efficiently and sustainably. Demand Assessment and Forecasting Long- and Medium-Term Forecasting Distribution licensees will be required to prepare demand forecasts based on hourly or sub-hourly data, considering: Category-wise consumption trends Assessed consumption for agricultural and domestic consumers Captive, prosumer, and open-access load forecasts The summed energy forecast (in MWh) across multiple consumer categories will serve as the final demand projection at the distribution level. Peak demand assessment will be based on: Historical data from the past three years Average load factor and diversity factor Seasonal variations and energy demand trends Short-Term Forecasting For short-term planning, distribution licensees must develop a methodology for hourly and sub-hourly forecasts and maintain a historical demand database. A load research study will be conducted to determine the hourly load profile, including: The contribution of various consumer categories to peak demand The impact of demand response strategies and load-shifting measures Time-of-use analysis to optimise electricity consumption Reporting and Compliance To ensure accuracy in demand forecasting, distribution licensees must prepare: Rolling short-, medium-, and long-term demand forecasts Hourly or sub-hourly demand projections These reports must be submitted to the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) by April 30 each year. Policy Impact The draft regulations are expected to enhance energy security in Himachal Pradesh, supporting efficient resource planning and ensuring that electricity supply keeps pace with increasing demand.