UERC Rejects Pleas Over Cancelled 200 MW Solar Awards

01 Aug 2025 CW Team

The scheme, launched by the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) under the 2013 solar policy, aimed to help Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) meet its renewable purchase obligations through tariff-based competitive bidding.

The projects—classified under the Type I category—had original commissioning deadlines in 2019–2020, later extended multiple times until 31 December 2024. However, in March 2025, UERC cancelled the LoAs citing lack of progress and incomplete documentation.

In response, developers filed review petitions citing obstacles such as land acquisition challenges in hilly areas, delays in power purchase agreements and transmission clearances, and procedural concerns, including the lack of personal hearings.

They also argued their projects aligned with the Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy 2023, which aims to install 2,500 MW by 2027, and claimed the LoA cancellations exceeded the Commission’s jurisdiction.

UERC dismissed these arguments, noting the petitions offered no new evidence or errors in the original order. Most developers failed to submit valid lease deeds or other key documents. The Commission maintained it had sufficient grounds and authority to cancel the LoAs in the interest of regulatory oversight and policy enforcement.

The affected projects will no longer proceed under the old 200 MW scheme, and developers must reapply under the 2023 solar policy.

UERC also clarified that previously discovered tariffs under the cancelled programme are void, and any future project approvals will follow new competitive rates.

Separately, the Commission recently turned down a petition to install an additional 600 kW rooftop solar unit under net metering, which would have exceeded the 1 MW cap set by the Renewable Energy Regulations, 2023.

The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has rejected review petitions filed by 12 solar developers against the cancellation of Letters of Award (LoAs) issued under the state’s 200 MW Solar Programme.The scheme, launched by the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) under the 2013 solar policy, aimed to help Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) meet its renewable purchase obligations through tariff-based competitive bidding.The projects—classified under the Type I category—had original commissioning deadlines in 2019–2020, later extended multiple times until 31 December 2024. However, in March 2025, UERC cancelled the LoAs citing lack of progress and incomplete documentation.In response, developers filed review petitions citing obstacles such as land acquisition challenges in hilly areas, delays in power purchase agreements and transmission clearances, and procedural concerns, including the lack of personal hearings.They also argued their projects aligned with the Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy 2023, which aims to install 2,500 MW by 2027, and claimed the LoA cancellations exceeded the Commission’s jurisdiction.UERC dismissed these arguments, noting the petitions offered no new evidence or errors in the original order. Most developers failed to submit valid lease deeds or other key documents. The Commission maintained it had sufficient grounds and authority to cancel the LoAs in the interest of regulatory oversight and policy enforcement.The affected projects will no longer proceed under the old 200 MW scheme, and developers must reapply under the 2023 solar policy.UERC also clarified that previously discovered tariffs under the cancelled programme are void, and any future project approvals will follow new competitive rates.Separately, the Commission recently turned down a petition to install an additional 600 kW rooftop solar unit under net metering, which would have exceeded the 1 MW cap set by the Renewable Energy Regulations, 2023.

Resources

04 Jun 2026

ULCCS Showcases Cooperative Model at UN Symposium

Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) showcased its community-led development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where it participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on 28–29 May 2026.Jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the symposium was held under the theme ‘Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth’ and brought together policymakers,..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Jun 2026

Delhi Airport to Finalise 20-Year Master Plan

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is finalising a 20-year master plan to guide long term infrastructure and operational development at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an official said. The operator expects the plan to reflect changes in the airline industry, shifts in the competitive landscape and evolving infrastructure requirements across terminals, airside and support services. The official said the document is likely to be ready in the next two to two-and-a-half months as the operator moves through planning stages. The plan will be prepared after consultations with airport users ..

Real Estate

04 Jun 2026

Aadhar Housing Finance Targets Rs 500 bn AUM By FY29

Aadhar Housing Finance has set a target to raise its asset under management to Rs 500 billion (bn) by the end of FY29, aiming to achieve this over the next three financial years through an 18-20 per cent loan growth trajectory. The firm focuses on the low-income segment with a ticket size of less than Rs 1.5 million (mn) and has relied on that segment to drive expansion. The company closed FY26 with an AUM of Rs 305.71 bn, reflecting the expansion in recent years, and it reported a net profit rise of 22 per cent to Rs 11.08 bn. Management indicated that gross non-performing assets stood at 1.0..