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The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission has released draft generic levelised tariffs for renewable energy projects commissioned in FY 2026-27.

Solar photovoltaic projects in the 0.5 MW to 2 MW range have been pegged at Rs. 3.40 per kWh.

Mini and micro hydro projects up to 2 MW have been pegged at Rs. 8.18 per kWh.

Small hydro projects in the 5 MW to 10 MW range have been pegged at Rs. 7.87 per kWh.

Stakeholders may submit comments till June 5, 2026.

Solar tariff

The Rs. 3.40 per kWh tariff applies to small solar PV projects.

This tariff is higher than the rates discovered in large utility-scale solar auctions.

The premium reflects the higher per-unit cost of smaller project sizes.

It also reflects distribution-level grid integration expenses, smaller developer financing costs, and project development overheads.

Small hydro tariff

Mini and micro hydro projects up to 2 MW have been assigned the highest tariff among the listed categories.

The tariff is Rs. 8.18 per kWh.

Small hydro projects between 5 MW and 10 MW have a slightly lower tariff of Rs. 7.87 per kWh.

The difference reflects scale benefits in larger hydro projects.

Other renewable categories

Non-fossil fuel co-generation has been assigned fixed charges of Rs. 4.55 per kWh.

Biogas-based projects carry fixed charges of Rs. 4.90 per kWh.

These tariffs provide price visibility for smaller renewable developers.

They also help DISCOMs plan procurement under Renewable Purchase Obligation requirements.

Capital cost benchmarks

CSERC has also indicated capital cost benchmarks.

Solar PV projects have been benchmarked at Rs. 3.5 crore per MW.

Biogas-based projects have a much higher capital cost benchmark of Rs. 13.54 crore per MW.

The difference reflects technology intensity, equipment cost, civil works, and operating complexity.

Regulatory significance

Generic tariff orders are important for decentralised renewable energy projects.

Many small projects are below the scale where competitive bidding is practical.

A generic tariff gives developers and lenders a clear price signal.

It also allows state utilities to procure renewable power without running separate tenders for every small project.

Chhattisgarh context

Chhattisgarh has renewable potential across solar, small hydro, biomass, and co-generation.

Small hydro is especially relevant in forested and riverine regions.

Solar projects can support local supply near distribution networks.

Biogas and co-generation can use local agricultural and industrial residues.

DISCOM impact

The tariff order will affect Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company’s renewable procurement planning.

The DISCOM will need to balance Renewable Purchase Obligation compliance with consumer tariff impact.

Higher-cost small hydro and biogas projects may support local energy security.

However, they will also need to be assessed against affordability and system benefits.

Developer impact

For small renewable developers, the draft tariff provides a basis for project financing.

Banks and lenders can use the tariff to assess debt serviceability.

Developers may still seek changes during the comment process.

Likely areas of representation include capital cost assumptions, discount rates, operating expenses, and grid-related charges.

Next steps

Stakeholders have until June 5, 2026 to submit comments.

CSERC will review submissions from DISCOMs, developers, industry associations, equipment suppliers, and consumer groups.

The final tariff order is expected after the consultation process.

It will govern eligible renewable projects commissioned during FY 2026-27.

Strategic message

CSERC’s draft RE tariff order creates a structured pricing framework for Chhattisgarh’s small renewable energy market.

Solar at Rs. 3.40 per kWh provides a workable tariff for distributed PV projects.

Small hydro at up to Rs. 8.18 per kWh recognises the higher cost of site-specific hydro development.

The final order will be important for decentralised renewable procurement, RPO compliance, and investor confidence in the state’s clean energy market.

The open access regulation introduced by CSERC in March 2026 has resulted in the disposal of several petitions involving CSPDCL. This open access regulation reflects a regulatory shift toward structured policy frameworks.

Under the CSERC open access rules, disputes related to intra state power access India are 5y7hj6mm now addressed through updated provisions rather than individual adjudication. Petitions by Goyal Industries and Jai Baba Baidyanath Ispat were disposed of as the new framework took effect.

Hotel Amit Park International’s case followed a similar trajectory, with the open access regulation removing the need for further proceedings. This demonstrates the impact of electricity regulatory reforms on dispute resolution mechanisms.

The updated framework simplifies compliance and clarifies procedures for open access consumers. The open access regulation reduces uncertainty for both industrial users and distribution companies.EnergylineIndia.com highlights that the open access regulation signals a transition toward policy-led governance. The open access regulation is expected to streamline operations in the intra-state power market, CSERC, Power Reforms, Open Access India, Energy Markets, Electricit.