UERC Keeps Uttarakhand Solar Tariff for 2026-27

Within the same tariff framework canal bank single point mooring solar photovoltaic plants were aligned at Rs four point ten per kWh while canal top installations were set at Rs four point twenty per kWh. Rooftop and small solar photovoltaic installations under net metering were fixed at Rs two point zero zero per kWh. The commission also noted additional costs associated with hilly terrain and compliance with the approved list of models and manufacturers and domestic content requirements.

The order established battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity charges at Rs 259,244 per megawatt (MW) per month for systems commissioned in FY 2026-27 and provided a methodology for monthly recovery of capacity costs. The commission said the charge reflects capital and operating cost considerations for storage assets and will apply to hybrid projects that pair storage with solar PV. Stakeholders had submitted comments on charging cycles and seasonal variability and the commission addressed those technical points in the final order.

The commission clarified that micro, small and medium enterprise policy incentives will not be treated as a reduction to the solar PV benchmark cost or tariff unless such support is directly linked to project development. The final order intends to provide certainty to developers and distribution companies while recognising regional cost differentials. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy was cited as the source of technical inputs in the commission note and the commission said the measure seeks to balance investor viability with consumer interest.