APTransco asks solar developers to submit bids before Sept 30

Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (APTransco) has asked all the solar developers, including those who did not participate in the recently-concluded competitive bidding for 1,000 Mw, to submit their applications before September 30, 2013.

Reviewing the progress of solar projects' bidding on Saturday, APTransco chairman and managing director Suresh Chandra said the corporation had issued guidelines for prospective solar power developers to submit their applications along with non-refundable processing fee of Rs 2 lakh to execute solar projects at a fixed tariff of Rs 6.49 per unit for a period of 20 years.

"Totally, 109 substations were offered under this open offer. However, the solar developers will also be allowed to connect to any other substations in the state, subject to technical feasiblity," he said, adding that this decision had given an opportunity to those solar power developers who had not participated in the bidding process to submit their bids subject to conforming the tender specification issued earlier.
 

It may be noted that the Andhra Pradesh government had issued a Solar Power Policy for encouraging solar power projects under captive and third-party sale. APTransco and distribution companies are in the process of issuing technical feasibility clearances commissioned under this policy.

While sanctions had been given to approximately 1,200 Mw for grid connectivity, the state has issued a government order (GO no 46) and directed APTransco to ensure setting up of 1,000 Mw solar power plants through the competitive bidding route.