Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has adopted and approved the annual transmission charges (tariff) associated with an ISTS-TBCB scheme housed under “WRNES Talegaon Power Transmission Ltd,” a subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL).
AESL was declared as the winning bidder with a tariff quote of Rs.2,214.45 million per year, under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) framework. The project SPV “WRNES Talegaon Power Transmission Ltd (WTPTL)” was formally transferred to AESL by bid process coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) on May 30, 2025.
The underlying interstate transmission scheme is termed as “Network expansion scheme in Western Region to cater to pumped storage potential near Talegaon (Pune)” and is estimated to cost Rs.1,663 crore with completion scheduled for January 1, 2028. This project cost was estimated by National Committee on Transmission (NCT) while approving the project.
In its order, CERC said that the approval of tariff is subject to the project SPV WTPTL securing interstate transmission licence. Incidentally, WTPTL has already filed a petition seeking transmission licence. While CERC has granted interim transmission licence through a recent order, the hearing related to the final licence is scheduled for October 16, 2025.
Bidding process
Based on the initial price bids, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) was the L1 bidder with a quote of Rs.3281.50 million while AESL was ranked L2 with Rs.3506.00 million.
The e-reverse auction (e-RA) saw aggressive bidding with as many as 157 rounds lasting for two days. AESL emerged as the final winner with a quote of Rs.2,214.45 million, which was nearly 37 per cent lower than its initial price bid.
Resonia Ltd, the only other bidder in the fray, did not participate in the e-RA routine.
Project description
The major element under this project is a new 2×1,500 MVA, 765/400kV substation near South of Kalamb in Maharashtra, equipped with suitable bus reactors. The 765kV double-circuit line from Pune-III to Boisar-II will be LILOed at South Kalamb.
The basic objective of this scheme is to cater to various pumped storage projects (PSP) coming up in the Talegaon region of Maharashtra. Potential of more than 10 GW has been identified from PSPs in Maharashtra. Some upcoming projects are Bhivpuri (1,150 MW) and Shirawata (1,980 MW) – both owned by Tata Power.
It is pertinent to note that the South Kalamb substation coming up through this scheme will also provide space for a future HVDC terminal in the vicinity. This terminal will be instrumental in bringing green energy to Mumbai city and adjoining areas.
Also read: CERC hearing on real-time green energy trading expected in October
Featured photograph (source: AESL) is for representation only