SKV Law Offices Secures Interim Relief for Apraava Energy Before Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission
12.05.2026
SKV Law Offices successfully represented Apraava Energy Private Limited (“Apraava Energy”) before the Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission (“TGERC”), securing interim relief restraining the Respondents from taking any coercive steps against the company in relation to a kVAh-kVArh based billing dispute pending final adjudication of the Petition.
Background
Apraava Energy operates a 30 MW solar power project in the State of Telangana under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) dated 04.03.2015 executed with the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (“TGSPDCL”). The PPA expressly provides for computation of Net Energy and auxiliary consumption in Kilowatt-hour (“kWh”) terms.
Despite the contractual framework, TGSPDCL sought to implement a Kilovolt-Ampere-hour (“kVArh”) billing methodology pursuant to the Retail Supply Tariff Order dated 29.04.2025 (“Tariff Order”), which was applicable only to the consumers operating in the State.
Apraava Energy accordingly approached TGERC challenging the unilateral implementation of kVArh billing and seeking urgent interim relief against coercive action.
The Core Dispute
The dispute raised significant regulatory and contractual issues concerning the distinction between kWh-based billing under the PPA and the subsequently introduced kVAh mechanism. Apraava Energy contended that the PPA constituted the exclusive contractual framework governing billing and energy accounting between the parties and that no amendment to the PPA had been approved by the Commission despite TGSPDCL itself previously seeking approval for such amendments.
The Petition further highlighted that the Tariff Order, relied upon by TGSPDCL, was applicable only to consumers within the State and not to Generating Companies such as Apraava Energy. It was also highlighted that implementation of kVAh billing had substantially increased import energy and maximum demand charges by incorporating reactive energy components, thereby causing recurring financial prejudice to the generating company.
Submissions by SKV Law Offices
SKV Law Offices advanced submissions before TGERC emphasizing that the PPA specifically contemplated billing and netting exclusively in kWh units and that the Tariff Order relied upon by TGSPDCL applied only to consumers and not to generating companies such as Apraava Energy.
SKV Law Offices further argued that TGSPDCL could not unilaterally alter the contractual and commercial framework approved under the PPA without formal amendment and regulatory approval. SKV Law Offices highlighted that TGSPDCL itself had previously sought approval for amendment of the PPA, thereby acknowledging that implementation of kVAh billing could not be undertaken without modification of the governing contractual framework.
Interim Relief Granted
By its Order dated 11.05.2026, TGERC admitted the Petition, issued notice to the Respondents, and directed that the Respondents shall not take any coercive steps against Apraava Energy in the interim.
Significance of the Relief
The order is significant for generating companies operating under long-term Power Purchase Agreements, particularly in disputes concerning unilateral modification of billing methodologies. The proceedings reinforce the principle that contractual rights and approved regulatory frameworks cannot be altered through unilateral implementation measures without due amendment and approval processes.
The matter also carries wider significance for renewable energy developers facing disputes relating to kVAh-based billing mechanisms within the power sector.
Team
Mr. Shri Venkatesh, Founding Partner, assisted by Ms. Priya Dhankar, Associate Partner and Mr. Punyam Bhutani, Senior Associate of SKV Law Offices, appeared for Apraava Energy.
