Maharashtra Regulator Approves 5,991 MW of Solar Power Procurement

25 Sep 2024 CW Team

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has given the green light for the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution (MSEDCL) to procure an additional 5,991 MW of solar power through competitive bidding. The decision aims to meet the state’s Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and provide daytime power to farmers across Maharashtra. The procurement is part of the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 (MSKVY 2.0), a government initiative to solarize at least 30% of agricultural feeders by December 2025. The program is designed to help MSEDCL meet its RPO targets, reduce overall power procurement costs, and improve the quality of electricity supplied to agricultural consumers during the day. The competitive bidding process will be conducted through MSEB Solar Agro Power (MSAPL), a subsidiary of MSEB Holding Company. The procurement will be split into two categories: 5,745 MW under Open Tender & 246 MW in Cluster Tender The additional solar capacity is expected to replace the nighttime supply from conventional sources, potentially leading to significant reductions in overall power purchase costs. This transition will also help improve coal stock management by reducing reliance on thermal power plants during peak daytime hours. The procurement will assist MSEDCL in meeting its increasing RPO targets, which are set to rise from 29.91% in 2024-25 to 43.33% by 2029-30. The distributed RPO component is slated to increase from 1.50% to 4.50% during this period. The solar power procurement will allow MSEDCL to rationalize its dependence on the Koyna hydroelectric power plant, reserving its limited capacity for peak loads and emergencies. This is expected to enhance Maharashtra’s energy security. In May, the Commission approved MSEDCL’s proposal to procure 150 MW of solar power at ?3.3 (~$0.040)/kWh from projects under MSKVY 2.0.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..