The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved a significant solar power procurement plan for the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL).

This will allow MSEDCL to purchase 700 MW of solar energy from JSW Neo Energy via the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). This initiative is part of the ISTS Solar Tranche-XIII scheme, aimed at helping the state meet its rising Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, which are set to increase from 29.91 percent in 2024-25 to 43.33 percent by 2029-30. The long-term agreement has been set at a tariff of Rs 2.63 per kWh. The agreement will span 25 years and support Maharashtra's renewable energy capacity.

As part of the approval, MSEDCL has committed to an extensive energy storage strategy, including 2,750 MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 3,500 MW of pumped storage projects (PSP). “This procurement will significantly contribute to meeting both past and future RPO shortfalls,” stated MERC.