The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has approved a proposal by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) to procure power from 375 MW battery energy storage systems (BESS), aimed at boosting supply during peak hours. The commission, however, sharply censured the utility for submitting incorrect documents during the approval process.
The commission accorded its approval through a detailed order on March 20.
The project will enable the storage of 1,500 MWh of electricity, largely sourced from renewable energy, to be supplied during high-demand periods such as evenings.
Developers will set up the battery systems and arrange renewable energy for charging, with UPPCL procuring the stored power under 15-year contracts through competitive bidding and reverse auctions.
The commission, however, expressed strong displeasure after finding discrepancies between the documents submitted to it and those uploaded on the bidding portal. This included a compensation clause that violated norms set by the ministry of power.
Calling the lapse “lamentable,” UPERC said it was “extremely disturbed” by the inaccurate filings, especially since UPPCL had sought urgent approval. The utility later tendered an apology, terming the error inadvertent.
UPERC also flagged multiple inconsistencies in the bid documents, including incorrect figures, missing references, and a lack of clarity on the mandatory use of renewable energy for charging. UPPCL has been directed to rectify all errors and submit a revised version before proceeding with the bids.
In approving the plan, the regulator stipulated that projects must be commissioned within 18 months, connect to the state grid at a minimum 132 kV level, and ensure 95% monthly availability. Payment security will be backed by a revolving bank guarantee, given the financial stress of discoms.
The commission warned UPPCL against such lapses in the future and directed it to ensure full transparency and accuracy in all submissions.
