Power
Power consumption grows slightly by 2.6 pc to 153.63 bn units in July
India's power consumption saw a slight increase of 2.6 percent in July, reaching 153.63 billion units. This growth was less than expected due to heavy rains reducing the need for cooling appliances. Peak power demand dipped slightly to 220.59 GW in July. The monsoon arrived early, impacting electricity use across the country.
NTPC picks Accenture for feasibility studies
NTPC Ltd has awarded Accenture Solutions a contract to conduct feasibility studies for installing small modular reactors at old thermal power stations. This initiative aligns with India's goal to achieve 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity and repurpose existing infrastructure. The conversion leverages available land, water, and transmission lines, while exclusion zones are a key consideration.
Lenders plan to exit Rs 3,800-cr JPVL investment
Lenders to Jaiprakash Power Ventures are planning to sell their ₹3,800 crore investment in the company, acquired during a debt restructuring in 2019. This sale of compulsorily convertible preference shares would give the buyer a 25% stake, potentially leading to a controlling 51% stake after an open offer. ICICI Bank is leading the creditor group in this strategic move.
Odisha demands Rs 3,069 crore from Centre under RDSS
Odisha government has requested the Centre for the swift approval of Rs 3,069 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Deputy CM K V Singh Deo also urged for allocation of 800 MW power from NLC Talabira Phase-II project, in addition to the existing 400 MW, to strengthen disaster-resilient power infrastructure.
NCLT allows Jagan's plea to cancel transfer of Saraswati Power shares to sister, mother
The NCLT Hyderabad has permitted YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's plea. It directs the cancellation of shares in Saraswati Power and Industries. These shares were transferred to YS Sharmila and Vijayamma. Jagan sought the reinstatement of his and his wife's names in the company. Sharmila's advocate stated they will appeal the order.
Andhra govt cancels two Adani projects at company's request
Andhra Pradesh government has cancelled Adani Green Energy Ltd's (AGEL) 1,200 MW Kurukutti and 1,000 MW Karrivalasa pumped hydro storage power projects at the company's request, citing boundary disputes between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. AGEL requested cancellation and a refund of facilitation charges, which may be adjusted towards other projects.
Diamond Power and Infra gets Rs 1,349 cr order from Adani Group company
Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd (DPIL) has secured a ₹1,349.11 crore order from Adani Energy Solutions Ltd for the supply of 24,080 AL-59 high-performance conductors. The contract is to be completed by June 2028. DPIL, India’s largest single-location power cables and conductors manufacturer, disclosed the development in a stock exchange filing on Monday.
JSW Energy signs power purchase agreement with SECI for FDRE project
JSW Neo Energy has secured a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with SECI to supply 230 MW of Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy at Rs 4.98 per kWh. This marks JSW Energy's first FDRE project PPA, boosting its under-construction capacity to 12.9 GW and locked-in generation capacity to 30.2 GW. The company aims to achieve 30 GW installed capacity by 2030.
Torrent likely in talks to buy L&T’s power unit for $1 Bn
Torrent Power Ltd. is reportedly in discussions to acquire Larsen & Toubro Ltd.'s thermal business unit for approximately $1 billion, including debt. L&T aims to reduce its debt by divesting the unit and concentrating on its core engineering and construction operations. While talks are ongoing, the deal's details could change, and other potential bidders may emerge.
Coupling of power markets to begin by January 2026
Big news for the power sector. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission will implement power market coupling. This begins with the 'day-ahead market'. The target is January 2026. This move follows discussions with power sector stakeholders. Market coupling aims for price convergence. It will align electricity prices across regions. This creates a consistent pricing structure for all.
Must Watch
Make in India: Plan afoot to list key transmission gear
The government is planning to boost local manufacturing of critical power transmission equipment, especially for HVDC lines, through stakeholder discussions and initiatives like technology acquisition. This move, spurred by the FY26 budget's clean tech focus, aims to strengthen the supply chain, increase domestic value addition, and support the expansion of power transmission infrastructure for renewable energy integration.
SC upholds GST exemption for electricity regulators, dismisses govt's plea
In a significant win for regulatory bodies, the Supreme Court has upheld the Delhi High Court's decision, exempting the fees collected by the CERC and DERC from GST. This ruling dismisses demands for an 18% tax on regulatory fees, affirming that these bodies perform quasi-judicial functions, not support services.
Govt approves restructuring of boards at NTPC arms THDC India, NEEPCO
The government has approved a restructuring of the boards of THDC India and NEEPCO, both subsidiaries of NTPC. This involves appointing a non-executive chairperson and redesignating the CMD position to Managing Director. The board size will be reduced to seven members, and certain director positions will be eliminated, aiming for streamlined decision-making.
Bhushan Steel and Power's ex-promoters seek open court hearing on liquidation review plea; CJI to constitute a bench
The former promoters of Bhushan Steel and Power Limited have appealed to the Supreme Court. They want their review petition against the company's liquidation order to be heard in open court. The petition challenges the previous verdict which had set aside JSW Steel's resolution plan. The promoters argue that the assigned liquidation value was too low.
India will address concerns of private sector on investments in civil nuclear segment: Minister
India aims to achieve 100 GW atomic power by 2047. The government plans to amend laws to encourage private sector investment in nuclear energy. These changes address global concerns about liability. The goal is to meet global benchmarks and become a developed nation. India is also expanding nuclear power capacity significantly.
NTPC halts FGD work at 5 plants after government exemption; 7 GW projects hit
NTPC has stopped the installation of Flue-Gas Desulphurisation systems at five under-construction power plants. This follows a government notification exempting many thermal plants from needing FGD. The order impacts projects with over 7 GW capacity. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited may seek compensation. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the exemption.
