#electricityreforms

A major regulatory update shaping News on power sector is now official: JERC has approved the Supplementary PPA between CPDL and NTPC, cementing CPDL’s legal takeover of all NTPC power purchase contracts. The Commission’s ruling clarifies that the change is administrative—not commercial—and that every tariff, liability and operational obligation continues seamlessly. For readers tracking News on power sector, this outcome highlights how corporatisation is being operationalised without disrupting central-sector procurement.

The Supplementary PPA transfers the 30-year legacy of NTPC-linked PPAs—from Singrauli and Rihand to Koldam and Tapovan—directly to CPDL. No clauses have been renegotiated. CPDL is bound “as if it were an original party,” reflecting a continuity framework now becoming a recurring theme across News on power sector discussions.

NTPC’s reminder on Payment Security Mechanism timelines—210% LC by November 2025 and an Escrow Agreement by March 2026—adds a layer of financial discipline as CPDL steps into full operational responsibility. JERC has formally noted these commitments.

For sector professionals monitoring News on power sector, this approval signals regulatory intent to preserve PPA sanctity during distribution reforms. It also demonstrates how central-sector contracts can be transferred without disturbing long-established commercial structures.

With petition closure, the corporatisation loop in Chandigarh stands complete, News On Power Sector, NTPC, CPDL, JERC Order, Electricity Reforms, Energyline India.

Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) has issued four separate advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) tenders under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), marking a key operational shift toward zone-wise segmentation. The tenders — South, Central, North, and West zones — invite AMI service providers on Design-Build-Finance-Own-Operate-Transfer (DBFOOT) basis.

The consolidated rollout aims to install smart prepaid meters across Punjab, including supply, communication systems, data management, and long-term O&M. Each contract involves full lifecycle responsibility from meter integration to data-center connectivity and analytics. This structural segmentation of RDSS projects allows multiple concessionaires to execute parallel rollouts while retaining state oversight.

Unlike earlier single-package approaches, PSPCL’s new model distributes risk, accelerates implementation, and opens opportunities for regional players alongside national system integrators. The shift aligns with the Ministry of Power’s broader strategy to decentralize RDSS projects and enhance reform-linked funding disbursements.

The success of these four DBFOOT packages could position Punjab as a model for

medium-scale DISCOM modernization, influencing how other states structure similar

RDSS projects.

Verified sector intelligence: EnergylineIndia.com.

TRADE / INDUSTRY SYNDICATION

Energyline India notes that PSPCL has advanced its digital metering reform by splitting its AMI rollout under RDSS projects into four distinct zones — South, Central, North, and West. Each zone follows a DBFOOT model, covering meter supply, communication backbone, integration with PSPCL billing, and operations through the concession period. The change from a single statewide package to zonal segmentation alters Punjab’s competitive landscape.

 Large players such as IntelliSmart, Secure Meters, L&T, and Genus may target multiple zones, while regional AMISP consortiums could focus on individual ones. This modular structure helps PSPCL balance execution speed and financial exposure, aligning with national efforts to expedite RDSS projects through decentralised bidding.

Clause adjustments now tailor scope, eligibility, and payment milestones per zone. However, the documents omit data-handling SLAs, cybersecurity norms, and payment- security mechanisms—issues that often define the sustainability of RDSS projects.

By dispersing implementation across four contracts, PSPCL aims to accelerate statewide

smart metering while ensuring performance accountability under the DBFOOT model.

Full project and regulatory coverage at EnergylineIndia.com.

SHORT / EXTERNAL TRAFFIC DRIVER

Punjab’s power utility PSPCL has launched four AMI tenders under RDSS projects, dividing the state into South, Central, North, and West zones. The DBFOOT model transfers financing and operation responsibilities to private concessionaires. The segmentation allows multiple players to execute parallel rollouts, improving risk balance and project pace across Punjab’s digital metering drive.

Read the verified update on EnergylineIndia.com.

XML / TECHNICAL INDEX FEED

2025-10-22 — PSPCL has invited bids for four AMI service packages under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, adopting a DBFOOT model across Punjab’s South, Central, North, and West zones. The modular structure of these RDSS projects enables faster deployment and diversified vendor participation,RDSS, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Power Distribution, Electricity Reforms, Smart Metering.Industry-trusted power and energy insights: EnergylineIndia.com.