Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC) recently filed a petition before the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) seeking approval to procure up to 1,414 MW of round-the-clock (RTC) power for the summer season, from May to mid-October 2025. This power is to be acquired through a competitive bidding process under NIT-118, with bids invited and finalized on the DEEP portal following Ministry of Power guidelines. The commission reviewed the proposal due to anticipated power shortages ranging from 985 MW to 3298 MW during this period, stemming from reduced availability of long-term power sources such as CGPL Mundra, Faridabad Gas Power Plant, and Baglihar Hydro, as well as diminished coal supplies during monsoons.
HPPC had earlier procured power under NIT-108, NIT-110, and NIT-115 for 2024. The approved quantum for last year was 2,244 MW, while for 2025 the maximum sought quantum was 1,414 MW. Power requirements in Haryana are increasing, with projections suggesting peak demand may rise to 15,500 MW during FY 2025-26. While exploring options, HPPC compared the current tariffs discovered via NIT-118 with those discovered by other state utilities such as Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, and found them to be in line or lower. HPPC cited IMD forecasts predicting above-normal summer temperatures and heatwaves, adding urgency to secure reliable power.
The power procurement process via NIT-118 attracted multiple bidders, including NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, PTC India, JSW Energy, GMR Energy, and others. Weighted average tariffs ranged between ₹6.17/unit and ₹7.38/unit for the respective months, with May having the highest rate. Despite also floating NIT-121 for 800 MW, the bids under it were higher, and hence not pursued.
The Commission highlighted inefficiencies such as the payment of ₹130 crore in fixed costs to CGPL in FY 2023-24 without power drawal. Additionally, HPPC had procured 7740 MUs at ₹6.79/unit but sold 1751 MUs at ₹4.38/unit, indicating a financial mismatch. They were advised to improve power planning and explore cost-effective alternatives, such as procurement from power exchanges where rates are often lower. Demand-side measures like the installation of energy-efficient pumps and rooftop solar systems have helped reduce some peak demand.
Considering the summer load due to agriculture and cooling, the Commission approved the procurement of 1,414 MW RTC power under NIT-118 for the stated duration. It directed HPPC to explore and purchase power at cheaper rates from IEX if available before the bid validity expiry. The Commission also stressed timely augmentation of transmission and distribution infrastructure and instructed SEs from Panchkula, Faridabad, and Gurugram to provide regular data on power outages and explore underground cabling to reduce losses and interruptions.
