West Bengal Seeks O&M Bids for 1.891 MW Solar Project

The West Bengal Power Development Corporation (WBPDCL) has invited bids for the comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) of a 1.891 MW rooftop solar project at Kolaghat Thermal Power Station for two years. Bids must be submitted by March 29, 2025, and will be opened on April 2. An earnest money deposit of Rs 89,332 is required, and successful bidders must provide a performance bank guarantee of 10% of the contract value within 30 days of the work order issuance. If the accepted bid value is 80% or lower than the estimated value, an additional performance security of 10% is mandatory. The project spans six locations with a total capacity of 1,890.88 kW, including Power House units 1, 3, and 6, and buildings like ERC, GM, and a school. Due to the planned demolition of Power House units 1 and 2, the 553.28 kW solar modules must be relocated to a ground-mounted system within the premises without disrupting operations. The O&M scope includes routine inspections, periodic module cleaning, real-time performance monitoring, and maintaining a project uptime of over 98%. Bidders must have experience with rooftop, ground-mounted, or floating solar systems, with at least one project of 1.5 MW, two of 1 MW, or three of 0.89 MW executed for government or industrial entities. Financial requirements include a minimum annual turnover of Rs 669,990 over the last three years and a positive net worth for each year. Performance penalties apply if the project’s performance ratio drops below 70%, with deductions up to 3% of the monthly contract value. A ratio below 55% will result in no payment. Project delays will incur liquidated damages of 0.5% of the contract value per week, capped at 10%. Recently, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company invited bids for a 6 MW floating solar project in Purulia, while WBPDCL previously sought bids for a 3.5 MW rooftop solar project at the Sagardighi thermal power site. (Mercom)

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