At least three more intrastate transmission system (InSTS) schemes are being planned in Maharashtra, under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) framework.
It is reliably learnt that these schemes will soon come up for bidder selection with PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL), acting as the bid process coordinator.
Significantly, two of these schemes will involve putting up 765/400kV substations, which, according to industry observers, is the first instance in Maharashtra where the TBCB modality is being harnessed for putting up power transmission infrastructure at such voltage. So far, substations of up to 400kV have been proposed in Maharashtra, under the TBCB framework.
Two of the three schemes involve putting up 765/400kV air-insulated substations (AIS) at Kadalgaon and Dolvi, respectively, both falling under the Raigad district. The third entails building a 400/220/132kV AIS at Latur.
According to an analysis by tndindia.com, at least 13 InSTS-TBCB schemes are currently underway in Maharashtra, under various stages of bidding. Bid process coordination of these schemes is being managed severally by PFCCL and REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL).
Of these 13 schemes, which includes the three discussed above, bidder selection has been initiated in the case of nine. Of these nine, shortlisting of bidders has taken place in the case of two — Jejuri Hinjewadi Power Transmission Ltd and Velgaon Power Transmission Ltd – both being handled by RECPDCL.
It is interesting to note that in the case of Velgaon, one of the seven bidders qualified for opening of initial price bids is Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (MSETCL or Mahatransco, the state transmission service provider). This scheme entails building a 400/220kV GIS substation at Velgaon in Palghar district.
Threshold for TBCB
In its “Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Multi Year Tariff) Regulations, 2024,” MERC directed that all intrastate schemes in the state, with anticipated project cost exceeding Rs.200 crore [excluding land cost and reinstatement (RI) charges], should be implemented under the TBCB mechanism, subject to conditions. This typically applies to greenfield projects. Projects that involve augmentation of existing assets of power transmission utilities like MSETCL or private entities are allowed to take the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) route. Maharashtra State Transmission Utility (STU), this year, issued guidelines for selection of transmission projects to be executed under the TBCB framework, in accordance with the aforementioned MERC regulations.
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