Himachal Pradesh Unveils Resource Adequacy Regulations, 2025 for Power Security

The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has introduced the 'Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Framework for Resource Adequacy) Regulations, 2025,' aiming to enhance power reliability and cost-effectiveness.

The core objective of these regulations is to establish a comprehensive framework that ensures resource adequacy. This framework will encompass all critical aspects of power planning, from demand forecasting to procurement and compliance. The focus is on achieving an optimal generation mix at the least cost while maintaining system security and reliability.

HPERC has opened the draft for public review, inviting feedback within 30 days i.e by March 29, to refine the final framework. This participatory approach ensures that the regulations address the state’s diverse energy needs while maintaining transparency and inclusivity.

The regulations mandate a multi-tiered planning system, long-term (10 years), medium-term (5 years), and short-term (1 year), to help distribution licensees develop robust resource adequacy plans. These plans will rely on advanced demand forecasting techniques, ensuring efficient power generation and procurement.

The framework introduces well-defined terms like 'Capacity Credit' and 'Planning Reserve Margin' to ensure uniformity. It applies to generating companies, distribution licensees, the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), and the State Transmission Utility (STU), ensuring coordinated power management.

Emphasising renewable integration, the regulations establish capacity crediting methodologies to assess renewable energy contributions. SLDC will aggregate demand forecasts, determine capacity credits, and disseminate data, ensuring informed decision-making for system stability.

Distribution licensees must adopt optimal procurement strategies, balancing conventional and renewable resources while complying with reliability indices. Rigorous data-sharing requirements and non-compliance penalties reinforce adherence to resource adequacy mandates.

These draft regulations set a strong foundation for Himachal Pradesh’s electricity sector, ensuring a sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable power supply. With public input shaping the final framework, the state is poised for a more resilient and future-ready energy landscape.