Latest regulatory and renewable energy updates from this week (ending May 24, 2025)

Regulatory & Policy Highlights

Chhattisgarh HC Ruling on Transmission Lines

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that prior consent from landowners is not required for the installation of electricity transmission lines, emphasizing the public interest in facilitating electricity transmission infrastructure.

Kerala HC Mandates Transparency in KSEB Contracts

The Kerala High Court directed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to publish all work contracts on its website within four months, enhancing transparency and addressing allegations of favoritism in contract awards.

Karnataka Power Tariff Hike Controversy

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna has opposed the Karnataka state government's recent decision to increase electricity charges by 36 paise per unit. The additional revenue, approximately ₹2,800 crore annually, is intended to fund the pensions and gratuities of employees within the state's electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL). Suvarna criticized the move as an undue burden on the public, particularly during a time of already rising electricity rates.

Renewable Energy & Industry Developments

NTPC Reports Profit Surge and Expansion Plans

NTPC reported a 22% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for Q4 FY25, reaching ₹7,897 crore. The company also outlined significant expansion plans in nuclear and green energy sectors, aligning with India's sustainable energy goals.

Reliance to Commence Solar Module Factory

Reliance Industries plans to start operations at its solar photovoltaic module factory within 2025, aiming to scale production to 20 GW per year. This initiative is part of Reliance's broader strategy to support India's target of 500 GW of non-fossil power capacity by 2030.

Blackstone Eyes Statkraft's India Assets

Blackstone has submitted a non-binding offer of $1.5 billion to acquire Statkraft's India operations, which include a 2 GW renewable energy portfolio. This move marks Blackstone's potential entry into India's renewable energy sector.

Adani and Reliance Announce Northeast Investments

Indian conglomerates Adani Group and Reliance Industries have committed to significantly increase their investments in northeastern India. Adani Group announced a ₹500 billion investment over the next decade to develop infrastructure, including roads, highways, and green energy projects such as hydro and pumped storage. Reliance Industries plans to boost its current ₹300 billion investment in the region to ₹750 billion within five years, aiming to establish 350 biogas plants and set up factories for manufacturing fast-moving consumer goods.

Reliance Power Partners with Bhutan for Solar Project

Reliance Power announced a partnership with Green Digital Private Limited, a government-owned company in Bhutan, to develop the country's largest solar energy project. The project, valued at ₹2,000 crore, will generate 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity. This initiative marks a significant advancement in Bhutan's efforts to expand its clean energy infrastructure and transition toward sustainable energy sources.

Market Trends

RTM Electricity Prices Decline

Real-Time Market (RTM) electricity prices dropped by 19% in May compared to the same period last year, averaging ₹3.75/unit. The decline is attributed to unseasonal rains and increased green power generation.