The Ministry of Power has issued a notification revising the concurrence requirement for hydro generating stations under the Electricity Act, 2003.
As per the notification, schemes involving an estimated capital expenditure exceeding Rs 30 billion will require the concurrence of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The order further exempts off-stream closed-loop pumped storage schemes from the requirement of CEA concurrence, regardless of their capital expenditure. Developers of such projects, however, may seek technical guidance from the Authority. The notification also mandates that developers setting up hydro schemes adhere to the provisions of the National Dam Safety Act, 2021.