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Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited (MITL), formerly known as Aurangabad Industrial Township Limited, has filed a petition seeking approval for the power purchase rate for solar power over a three-year period and the execution of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The petition, submitted on November 3, 2023, is in line with the regulations for power procurement and compliance set by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). MITL has previously been exempted from obtaining a Distribution License for its areas, which include Shendra and Bidkin Industrial Areas. The Commission had previously directed MITL to seek approval for its power purchase agreements, leading to MITL filing for approval of its short-term power purchase plan. The Commission approved this plan and instructed MITL to issue tenders for power procurement. MITL currently serves 60 consumers with a connected load of 40 MW, and its peak demand has been around 25.96 MW. As MITL prepares to commence electricity distribution in the AURIC area, it is also developing consumer metering infrastructure and registering with the Maharashtra State Load Dispatch Center. The number of consumers is expected to grow, with a projected total connected load reaching about 66 MW in the next 2 to 3 years. To meet immediate demand and Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, MITL planned to procure conventional power short-term from December 2023 to November 2024 and solar power from December 2023 to November 2026. However, despite multiple attempts, MITL received no responses to its tenders for solar power. Consequently, MITL approached NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVNL) for solar power procurement. After negotiations, NVVNL offered solar power at a rate of ?3.43 per kWh, which was later reduced to ?3.42 per kWh. The final rate includes a 0.75% rebate for early payment, making the effective tariff ?3.394 per kWh. MITL aims to use this solar power to meet daytime demand and achieve its RPO targets. The Commission has approved the procurement of 20 MW of solar power at the rate of ?3.42 per kWh for three years. This decision is considered a special case due to the lack of responses to MITL’s tenders and the need to start its distribution operations. This approval is granted with the understanding that it should not set a precedent for future cases. |
