Honorable Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission and GEAPP Partner to Accelerate Maharashtra’s Energy Transition

Mumbai | December 3, 2024 –The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) have signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to advance Maharashtra’s energy transition through regulatory and policy innovations. The collaboration focuses on integrating renewable energy and promoting inclusive development, with the goal of achieving universal access to sustainable energy.

The partnership follows a similar one between GEAPP and NITI Aayog, furthering the impact of transformative actions at the state level. MERC, known for its leadership in regulatory innovation, has recently introduced important measures, including Resource Adequacy and Demand Flexibility regulations, which aim to enhance grid operations and stability across Maharashtra.

GEAPP works towards accelerating the transition to renewable energy by strengthening energy grids and facilitating the integration of cost-effective, renewable sources such as solar and wind. GEAPP aims to create the necessary conditions for sustainable energy systems by enhancing capacity, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of scalable business models.

The collaboration with GEAPP will create a platform for regulatory innovation, with a focus on reducing delivery costs and improving consumer welfare. The partnership will explore areas such as grid management, renewable energy integration, demand flexibility, energy efficiency, and tariff rationalization, seeking to introduce regulatory approaches that generate tangible, on-the-ground impact. Drawing from global best practices, the collaboration will also build state-specific expertise to support Maharashtra’s evolving energy needs.

Sanjay Kumar, Chairperson, MERC shared, “This partnership with GEAPP will offer a fresh perspective on Maharashtra’s electricity network, incorporating international best practices while tailoring solutions to meet the state’s unique requirements.”

Appreciating MERC’s leadership, Saurabh Kumar, Vice President, India, GEAPP, commented, “With MERC’s progressive leadership in introducing demand flexibility, Maharashtra is setting a benchmark for state-level energy transition. GEAPP looks forward to building on this momentum by providing targeted support and expertise to create solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and consumer-centric. Together, we are shaping an energy future that is equitable, resilient, and prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow.”

The collaboration represents a significant step toward building a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy future for Maharashtra, setting a benchmark for state-level energy transitions across India.

About Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP):

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is an alliance of philanthropy, governments, technology, policy, and financing partners. Our common mission is to enable emerging and developed economies to shift to a clean energy, pro-growth model that accelerates universal energy access and inclusive economic growth while supporting the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade. As an Alliance, we aim to reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions, expand clean energy access to one billion people, and enable 150 million new jobs. With philanthropic partners the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and Bezos Earth Fund, GEAPP works to build the enabling environment, capacity, and market conditions for private sector solutions, catalyze new business models through innovation and entrepreneurship, and deploy high-risk capital to encourage private sector solutions and assist just transition solutions.

For more information, please visit www.energyalliance.org and follow us on Twitter at @EnergyAlliance

About Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC)

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) was established on August 5, 1999, under the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998, and operates under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003. MERC is responsible for regulating electricity tariffs, including those for generation, transmission, and distribution within the state. The Commission oversees electricity procurement processes, promotes renewable energy generation, and facilitates the intra-state transmission and distribution of electricity. MERC also issues licenses for transmission, distribution, and electricity trading, adjudicates disputes and advises the State Government on promoting competition, investment, and restructuring within the electricity sector. Furthermore, it sets and enforces standards for service quality, continuity, and reliability, while managing the trading margins for intra-state electricity trading.