APTEL Reverses KSERC's Power Tariff Ruling

29 Aug 2024 CW Team

The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) recently overturned a Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) order, ruling that KSERC had overstepped its jurisdiction by intervening in a multi-state electricity dispute. The dispute centered around the generation and sale of solar power, which falls under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission's (CERC) authority.

The issue began when the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) issued a tender for 300 MW of solar power, structured under a Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

The PSA, submitted for KSERC's approval, faced two significant alterations:

KSERC redefined “Appropriate Commission” to include both CERC and KSERC, potentially causing jurisdictional conflicts.

KSERC capped the tariff payable by KSEB at ₹2.44 (~$0.029)/kWh, even if CERC approved a higher rate for the solar power producer, ReNew Power.

SECI argued that the PSA and related agreements involved a composite scheme that required uniform regulation by CERC to avoid inconsistencies. KSERC defended its changes, citing its authority to regulate non-tariff aspects of the PSA under the Electricity Act 2003.

APTEL sided with SECI, ruling that KSERC's tariff cap and jurisdictional claims were inappropriate for inter-state transactions. The Tribunal emphasized that only CERC has the authority to regulate such matters, due to the interconnected nature of the agreements.

As a result, APTEL annulled KSERC’s modifications, reaffirming that CERC is the sole authority for all aspects of the PSA, including non-tariff disputes. This decision ensures consistency and prevents regulatory conflicts in multi-state electricity transactions.

Additionally, the Tribunal recently granted POWERGRID Southern Interconnector Transmission System a 289-day extension to complete a transmission project, acknowledging delays due to "force majeure" events.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..