RTC bids guidelines amended for more flexibility of power source selection
The Ministry of Power has amended the guidelines of power purchase under the round-the-clock (RTC) power supply to provide more flexibility to generators.
In order to give a further boost to round-the-clock (RTC) power supply tender bidding, the Ministry of Power has amended the guidelines of tariff-based competitive bidding for procurement under the RTC power supply.
Now procurement of power from such projects is allowed to be bundled with any non-renewable source of energy. Earlier the bundling was limited to just coal-based thermal power projects.
The bundled project guidelines previously required a bidder to make tariff offers only after allowing the generated power from renewable resources and thermal power projects.
Modified Guidelines
Now with the modifications in guidelines, tariffs for RTC tender can be quoted through bundling of power from renewable with any other non-renewable resource. These non-renewable resources can be thermal or hydro, as well as energy storage systems.
However, bundling has been limited to just one non-renewable resource – bundling with multiple non-renewable resources will not be allowed. It is expected that the amendment will bring more flexibility for the generators while bidding for the RTC tender.
On the other hand, strict provisions for penalties have been made in the amendments – in case the power generator is unable to meet the commitments for power supply.
The rules provide that the generators need to maintain 85 percent of its electricity supply annually. Failing which the generator will have to pay a heavy fine equal to 400 percent of the cost of electricity it fails to supply. Earlier the penalty level was 25 percent.
Also, the penalty for any shortfall in the committed level supply of renewable energy will be more than 400 percent.
