The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved the Bihar State Power Holding Company (BSPHCL)'s proposal to procure 200 MW of solar power, coupled with a 100 MW/400 MWh energy storage system (ESS), through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) under its Tranche-XV program.

SECI has offered a tariff of Rs 3.42 /kWh. The approval also includes a trading margin of Rs 0.07 /kWh, payable to SECI. The project is exempt from transmission charges under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) Sharing Regulations. BSPHCL cited rising renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets and severe power shortages during evening peak hours as key drivers for this procurement. The state is facing a peak-hour deficit of up to 2,100 MW, currently met through expensive power exchange purchases.

"The approval of this procurement is crucial to address Bihar’s growing energy demands, especially during evening peak times," said a BSPHCL spokesperson.