BACKGROUND
Currently India has 27,000 megawatts of thermal power under construction. About 12,000 megawatts which have been bid out. About 19,000 megawatts are under various stages of clearances. By 2030, India will have added 90 gigawatts. In renewable, India already has a renewable energy capacity of 181,000 megawatts. We now have 1,30,000 megawatts under construction. We have about 71,000 megawatts under bid. In hydro, we have about 18,000 megawatts under construction. We also have about 15,000 megawatts which are under surveys and investigation.
1,89,052 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines, 6,88,142 MVA of Transformation capacity and 80,590 MW of inter- regional capacity have been added, connecting the whole country into one grid running on one frequency with the capability of transferring 1,16,540 MW from one corner of the country to another.
Meeting these goals will lead to huge regulatory challenges for Power producers in India.
The power sector in India is heavily regulated by various government agencies and bodies at both the central and state levels due to its critical role in providing electricity, which is essential for economic development, public welfare, and national security. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERC) regulate tariff for generation, supply, transmission and wheeling of electricity. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) are responsible for implementation of legislations relating to prevention and control of environmental pollution.
Regulatory affairs in the power sector are vital for ensuring compliance with regulations, navigating complex regulatory environments, and shaping policies that promote the efficient, reliable, and sustainable generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
The Power sector regulatory affairs deal with the regulatory requirements for setting up and running of Power Plants. This field is facing a myriad of forces impacting all aspects of the growth and development of the Power sector. Changes in global megatrends, such as geopolitical shifts and the rise of the green economy, have emphasised the importance of power security, and reducing the environmental impacts it brings. An ever-increasing population has meant that India has always had a great demand which supply has been unable to meet effectively. However, rapid changes due to advances in technology, digital disruption, and innovative solutions means India will not only meet that demand but in fact be able to export the excess.