Patna: Electricity consumers in Bihar are expected to benefit from an additional supply of renewable energy after the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) approved a proposal to procure up to 200 megawatts (MW) of power at a tariff of Rs 4.25 per unit.
The Commission has approved a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the procurement, which will combine wind and solar energy with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The electricity will primarily be supplied during the evening peak-demand period of four hours. The arrangement also allows the supply duration to be extended to six hours if required.
The project is expected to be commissioned by June 30, 2028.
Power Supply To Target Evening Peak Demand
The proposed arrangement is intended to reduce Bihar’s dependence on purchasing electricity from the open market at higher rates during peak-demand hours.
By combining renewable energy generation with battery storage, the project will help make power available during evening hours when electricity demand is typically high.
The approved tariff has been fixed at Rs 4.25 per unit, a rate that has also received approval from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).
BSPHCL Submitted Procurement Proposal
The proposal was submitted to BERC by Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) on behalf of the state’s North and South Bihar power distribution companies.
According to the Commission, procuring 200 MW of renewable energy is necessary because Bihar is projected to face a shortfall in meeting its renewable purchase obligations in the coming years.
The long-term procurement arrangement is expected to help the state address this requirement while diversifying its electricity supply.
Project Expected To Be Operational By June 2028
Although the regulatory approval has been granted, the project is not yet operational. Commissioning is scheduled by June 30, 2028.
Once implemented, the arrangement is expected to strengthen Bihar’s renewable energy supply and reduce reliance on expensive market purchases during evening peak hours.
