Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. vs Adani Power Maharashtra Ltd.

REPORTABLE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO.684 OF 2021

MAHARASHTRA STATE ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY LIMITED ...APPELLANT (S)

VERSUS ADANI POWER MAHARASHTRA LIMITED & ORS. ...RESPONDENT (S) WITH

CIVIL APPEAL NO.6927 OF 2021

INDEX

I. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………….. Paras 1 and 2 II. FACTS IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.684 OF 2021……………. Paras 3 to 29 III. FACTS IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.6927 OF 2021…………. Paras 30 to 39 IV. SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE DISCOMS Paras 43 ……… V. SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE GENERATING Paras 44 and 45 COMPANIES ………………………………………….. ……… V. RELEVANT DOCUMENTS…………………………………. Paras 46 to 83 VI. JUDGMENTS CITED……………………………………….. Paras 84 to 93 VII. STATUTORY PROVISIONS WITH REGARD TO Paras 94 to 104 REGULATORY MECHANISM……………………………….

VIII. CONSIDERATIONS…………………………………………. Para 105 onwards

Signature Not Verified

Digitally signed by Narendra Prasad Date: 2023.03.03 12:45:11 IST Reason:

1 List of abbreviations:

1. ACQ - Annual Contracted Quantity 2. APML - Adani Power Maharashtra Limited 3. APTEL - Appellate Tribunal for Electricity 4. C&AG - Comptroller and Auditor General of India 5. CCEA - Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 6. CERC - Central Electricity Regulatory Commission 7. CIL - Coal India Limited 8. CPP - Captive Power Plants 9. DISCOMS - Distribution Companies 10. FSA - Fuel Supply Agreement 11. GCV - Gross Calorific Value 12. GMR - GMR Warora Energy Ltd. 13. GMRETL- GMR Energy Trading Limited 14. IPPs - Independent Power Producers 15. LoA - Letter of Assurance 16. MERC - Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission 17. MoC - Ministry of Coal 18. MoP - Ministry of Power 19. MSEDCL - Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited 20. NCDP - New Coal Distributional Policy 21. PLF - Plant Load Factor 22. PPAs - Power Purchase Agreements 23. PSA - Power Sale Agreement 24. RFP - Request for Proposal 25. SECL - South Eastern Coal Limited 26. SHR - Station Heat Rate 27. TPPs - Thermal Power Stations 28. UHBVNL- Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited 29. WCL - Western Coal Limited

JUDGMENT

2 B.R. GAVAI, J.

INTRODUCTION

1. The questions involved in both these appeals, as in several

other appeals, are common.

2. Three of the issues involved in the present appeals are also

involved in the other appeals which were listed along with these

two appeals. However, the other appeals also involve some

other ancillary and incidental issues. As such, at the request of

the learned counsel for the parties, we have heard the present

appeals. We have also heard the learned counsel appearing in

the other appeals on the three questions which are common.

FACTS IN CIVIL APPEAL NO. 684 OF 2021

3. The facts, in brief, which arise in Civil Appeal No.684 of

2021 are thus:

4. The appellant-Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution

Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as “MSEDCL”) has

entered into a long-term Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs” for

3 short) with Adani Power Maharashtra Limited (hereinafter

referred to as “APML”). The first of the PPAs is dated 8 th

September 2008 for 1320 MW (“1320 MW PPA” for short); the

second one is dated 31st March 2010 for 1200 MW (“1200 MW

PPA” for short); the third one is dated 9 th August 2010 for 125

MW (“125 MW PPA” for short); and the fourth one is dated 16 th

February 2013 for 440 MW (“440 MW PPA” for short). These

PPAs were entered into in pursuance of the competitive bidding

processes conducted by the appellant-MSEDCL under Section

63 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (hereinafter referred to as “the

Electricity Act”) read with the Standard Bidding Guidelines

issued by the Ministry of Power (“MoP” for short).

5. Article 10 of the 1200 MW PPA dated 31 st March 2010

entered into between the appellant-MSEDCL and respondent

No.1-APML deals with “Change in Law”.

6. Article 10.1.2 defines the term “Change in Law”.

7. Article 10.2 deals with the application and principles for

computing the impact of Change in Law. Article 10.2.1 provides

4 that while determining the consequence of a Change in Law

under Article 10, due regard has to be given to the principle,

that to compensate the Party affected by such Change in Law is

to restore through monthly Tariff Payment, to the extent

contemplated in Article 10, the affected Party to the same

economic position as if such Change in Law has not occurred.

8. Article 10.3 deals with “Relief for Change in Law”. Article

10.3.1 provides relief for Change in Law during the

Construction Period, whereas Article 10.3.2 provides for

compensation to be paid on account of Change in Law during

Operating Period. For claiming relief on account of a Change in

Law, the Party is required to approach the Appropriate

Commission along with documentary proof of such

increase/decrease in the cost of the Power Station or

revenue/expense for establishing the impact of such Change in

Law. Article 10.3.4 provides finality to the decision of the

Appropriate Commission with regard to compensation

determined under Articles 10.3.1 and 10.3.2.

5

9. On 18th October 2007, the Government of India, through

the Ministry of Coal (“MoC” for short), issued the New Coal

Distributional Policy, 2007 (hereinafter referred to as “the

NCDP, 2007”). As per the NCDP 2007, 100% of the quantity as

per the normative requirement of the consumers was to be

considered for the supply of coal, through Fuel Supply

Agreement (“FSA” for short) by Coal India Limited (“CIL” for

short) at fixed prices to be declared/notified by CIL. The NCDP,

2007 also provided that to meet the domestic requirement of

coal, CIL may have to import coal as may be required from time

to time, if feasible. CIL was to adjust its overall price

accordingly. It further provided that it was the responsibility of

CIL/Coal Companies to meet the full requirement of coal under

FSAs even by resorting to imports, if necessary.

10. It is not in dispute that in accordance with the NCDP,

2007, APML had applied for coal linkage to MoC. It is also not

in dispute that Western Coal Limited (“WCL” for short) and

South Eastern Coal Limited (“SECL” for short) issued two

6 Letters of Assurance (LoAs) in favour of APML and assured

supply of coal.

11. Undisputedly, FSA was executed between APML and WCL

for domestic coal linkage. Subsequently, the FSA was amended

and the quantum of coal assured by WCL was transferred to

SECL.

12. It is also not in dispute that subsequently, on 21 st June

2013, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (“CCEA” for

short), in view of the persistent shortage of domestic coal,

approved a revised mechanism for coal supply to power

producers.

13. Thereafter, the Government of India, through the Ministry

of Coal, issued Office Memorandum dated 26 th July 2013

(hereinafter referred to as “NCDP 2013”), thereby approving a

revised arrangement for the supply of coal to the identified

Thermal Power Stations (“TPPs” for short). The said Office

Memorandum provided that FSAs will be signed for the

domestic coal quantity of 65%, 65%, 67%, and 75% of Annual

7 Contracted Quantity (“ACQ” for short) for the remaining four

years of the 12th Plan for the power plants having normal coal

linkages. It further provided that to meet the balance FSA

obligations towards the requirement of the said 78,000 MW

TPPs, CIL may import coal and supply the same to the willing

power plants on a cost-plus basis. It further provided that the

power plants may also directly import coal themselves, if they

so opt, in which case, the FSA obligations on the part of CIL to

the extent of import component would be deemed to have been

discharged.

14. On 31st July 2013, the MoP issued a letter to the Central

Electricity Regulatory Commission (“CERC” for short) and State

Electricity Regulatory Commissions to consider as pass-through

in tariff the cost of alternate coal (procured to meet the shortfall

in supply of domestic linkage coal) on a case to case basis.

15. Contending that on account of the Change in Law, APML

was entitled to compensation, APML filed a Petition bearing

Case No.189 of 2013 on 17 th December 2013 before the

8 Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (“MERC” for

short).

16. MERC, vide order dated 15th July 2014, disposed the said

Petition (i.e. Case No. 189 of 2013) by approving a framework

for determination of compensatory fuel charge, in view of the

CCEA decision of 21st June 2013 and the MoP’s advice dated

31st July 2013.

17. In compliance with the MERC’s order dated 15 th July

2014, APML filed another Petition before the MERC bearing

Case No. 140 of 2014 on 23 rd July 2014, inter alia, for approving

a mechanism for the determination of compensatory tariff.

18. The MERC, vide its order dated 20 th August 2014,

formulated a mechanism for the pass-through in tariff of the

compensatory fuel charge that had been allowed in Case No.189

of 2013.

19. Subsequently, APML filed a Review Petition before the

MERC bearing Case No.159 of 2014. The same was disallowed

9 by the MERC as being devoid of merits except on the issue of

the effectiveness of the compensatory fuel charge.

20. On 28th January 2016, the MoP issued the revised Tariff

Policy. As per clause 6.1 of the revised Tariff Policy, the

Appropriate Commission was required to consider the cost of

imported/market-based e-auction coal procured for making up

the shortfall in the domestic coal for pass-through in tariff of

competitively bid projects.

21. Thereafter, on 9th March 2016, APML filed appeals before

the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (hereinafter referred to as

“APTEL”), being Appeal Nos. 129 of 2016 and 130 of 2016,

challenging the orders passed by the MERC in Case Nos.189 of

2013 and 140 of 2014. MSEDCL too filed cross-appeals against

the MERC orders being Appeal Nos. 187 and 188 of 2016.

22. On 4th May 2017, the learned APTEL remanded the issues

raised in the cross-appeals filed by APML and MSEDCL for

fresh consideration by the MERC in the light of the judgment of

this Court in the case of Energy Watchdog v. Central

10 Electricity Regulatory Commission and others1 which was

decided on 11th April 2017.

23. By order dated 7th March 2018, the MERC decided Case

No.189 of 2013 and 140 of 2014, wherein, while allowing the

claims of APML for relief on account of a Change in Law for

1180 MW capacity, it restricted it to the extent of the minimum

supply obligations specified for the CIL subsidiaries for the last

four years of the 12th Five Year Plan period i.e. Financial Year

2013-14 to Financial Year 2016-17 as per the NCDP, 2013. It

further held that the alternate coal quantity for meeting the

domestic coal shortfall shall be computed based on the Station

Heat Rate (“SHR” for short) mentioned by APML in the bid

documents and the middle value of the Gross Calorific Value

(“GCV” for short) range of assured coal grade for domestic coal

as per the FSA/LoA/MoU.

1 (2017) 14 SCC 80

11

24. Being aggrieved thereby, APML preferred appeals before

the learned APTEL. The learned APTEL framed the following

three issues:

“Issue No. 1: Whether the MERC was correct in holding that the net SHR submitted by the Appellant in its bid or SHR and Auxiliary Consumption norms specified for new generating stations under the MYT Regulations, 2011, whichever is superior shall form the basis for computing Change in Law compensation under the PPAs?

Issue No. 2: Whether the MERC was correct in holding that the reference GCV of domestic coal supplied by CIL shall be the middle value of GCV range of assured coal grade in LoA/FSA/MoU and not the GCV as received?

Issue No. 3: Whether the MERC was correct in holding that for the purpose of Change in Law compensation for 1180 MW capacity, shortfall in

12 domestic linkage coal shall be assessed by considering the coal supply as the maximum of (1) actual quantum of coal offered for offtake by CIL under the LoA/FSA and (2) the minimum assured quantum in NCDP 2013 for the respective year?”

25. On Issue No.1, the learned APTEL held that APML was

entitled to compensation on the ground of Change in Law based

on the SHR specified in the MERC MYT Regulations 2011 or the

actual SHR achieved by APML, whichever is lower.

26. On Issue No.2, the learned APTEL held that the

compensation for the Change in Law approved by the MERC

shall be computed based on the actual GCV of coal received.

27. On Issue No.3, the learned APTEL held that under the

NCDP, 2007, there was an assurance of 100% coal supply and

as such, while granting compensation on the ground of Change

in Law, it was not justified to restrict it to the maximum of 35%

to 25% for the respective four years of the 12 th Plan.

13

28. The learned APTEL held that the restitution principle has

to be applied. It further held that to protect the interests of

consumers, the Generators had itself indicated that the

parameters which are more beneficial to the consumers i.e. the

lower amongst the actual or as per the Regulations would

protect the interests of the consumers.

29. Being aggrieved thereby, the MSEDCL has approached this

Court by way of Civil Appeal No.684 of 2021.

FACTS IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.6927 OF 2021

30. In Civil Appeal No.6927 of 2021, the MSEDCL challenges

the concurrent orders passed by the CERC dated 15 th November

2018 and the order passed by the learned APTEL dated 16 th

July 2021.

31. MSEDCL issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on 15 th May

2009 and initiated the competitive bidding process for

procurement of power on long-term basis. GMR Warora Energy

Ltd. (“GMR” for short) submitted its bid on 7th August 2009 and

emerged as one of the successful bidders with a levelized tariff

14 of Rs. 2.879/kWh. Accordingly, the PPA was executed for the

procurement of 200 MW of power on 17 th March 2010 by

MSEDCL on long-term basis. Similarly in March 2012,

Respondent No. 2-Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli

(“DNH” for short) issued an RFP for the procurement of power

through competitive bidding and GMR emerged as one of the

successful bidders.

32. Consequently, respondent No. 1 in Civil Appeal No.6927 of

2021 i.e. GMR entered into the following long-term PPAs for the

supply of power from the Project:

(a) Supply and sale of 200 MW of power on a long-term basis

to MSEDCL in terms of PPA dated 17 th March 2010. The cut-off

date for this PPA is 31 st July 2009. Supply of power in terms of

the PPA commenced from 17th March 2014.

(b) Supply and sale of 200 MW of power on long term basis to

Electricity Department, DNH in terms of PPA dated 21 st March

2013. The cut-off date of this PPA is 1 st June 2012. Supply of

power in terms of the PPA commenced from 1 st April 2013.

15 (c) Supply and sale of 150 MW of power on long term basis to

TANGEDCO through back-to-back arrangements as follows:

(i) Power Sale Agreement (PSA) dated 1 st March 2013

between GMR Energy Trading Limited (GMRETL) and GMR,

based on which a bid was submitted to TANGEDCO;

(ii) PPA dated 27th November 2013 between GMRETL and

TANGEDCO for the supply of power from GMR to TANGEDCO.

The cut-off date of this PPA is 27th February 2013.

(iii) PPA dated 3rd May 2014 between GMR and GMRETL

recording the terms and conditions in accordance with PPA

between GMRETL and TANGEDCO. The supply of power under

the PPA commenced on 22nd October 2015.

33. Petition No. 8/MP/2014 was filed by GMR claiming

compensation on account of the impact of the Change in Law

events during the Operation period and Construction period

under MSEDCL and DNH PPAs. The Commission, by order

dated 1st February 2017, had allowed some of the claims of GMR

on the ground of Change in law. Vide the said order, it has also

16 disallowed some of the claims. Aggrieved by the said order,

GMR filed Appeal No. 111 of 2017 before the learned APTEL in

respect of the compensation claims disallowed by the

Commission. Similarly, Appeal No. 290/2017 was filed by DNH

Power Distribution Company Ltd against the said order dated

1st February 2017 disputing the compensation claims allowed to

GMR under some Change in Law events.

34. During the pendency of the above said appeals, GMR has

filed Petition (i.e. Petition No.88/MP/2018) seeking the following

reliefs:

“(a) Confirms that the following operational parameters which are imperative of calculation of compensation due to the Petitioner on account of change in law events, are to be considered on actuals:

(i) Auxiliary Power Consumption

(ii) Station Heat Rate

(iii) Gross calorific Value

(b) Confirm that levy of Service Tax & Swachh Bharat Cess on coal transportation is on all components as per rail invoice;

17 (c) Release of amounts due to the Petitioner from Respondent No. 1, MSEDCL in light of the Commission’s order dated 1.2.2017 in Petition No. 8/MP/2014.”

35. Two of the issues involved in the present appeals with

regard to SHR and GCV also fell for consideration before the

CERC.

36. The CERC found that the CERC norms applicable for the

period 2009-14 and 2014-19 do not provide the norms for 300

MW units. It further found that the CERC norms provide for a

degradation factor of 6.5% and 4.5% respectively towards Heat

Rate over and above the Design Heat Rate. It found that since

the Design Heat Rate is 2211 kcal/kWh, the gross Heat Rate

works out to 2355 kcal/kWh and 2310 kcal/kWh for the period

2009-14 and 2014-19 respectively. It directed that the SHR of

2355 kcal/kWh during the period 2009-14 and 2310 kcal/kWh

during the period 2014-19 or the actual SHR, whichever was

lower, shall be considered for calculating the coal consumption

for compensation under the Change in Law.

18

37. Insofar as the GCV is concerned, the CERC found that in

the 2014 Tariff Regulations of the Commission, the

measurement of GCV has been specified on “as received” basis.

It, therefore, found that it would be appropriate if the GCV on

“as received” basis is considered for computation of

compensation for Change in Law.

38. Being aggrieved by the order passed by the CERC dated

15th November 2018, the MSEDCL preferred an appeal being

Appeal No.342 of 2019 before the learned APTEL. The learned

APTEL did not find merit in the submission of the MSEDCL and

as such, dismissed the appeal by judgment and order dated 16 th

July 2021.

39. Being aggrieved thereby, MSEDCL has approached this

Court by way of Civil Appeal No.6927 of 2021.

40. The arguments on behalf of the appellant-MSEDCL in Civil

Appeal No.684 of 2021 were advanced by Shri Gopal Jain,

learned Senior Counsel, whereas arguments in Civil Appeal

19 No.6927 of 2021 were advanced by Shri G. Sai Kumar, learned

counsel.

41. We have also heard Shri Balbir Singh, learned Additional

Solicitor General and Shri M.G. Ramachandran, learned Senior

Counsel appearing for some of the State Electricity Distribution

Companies, whose matters are not being decided by this

judgment, but wherein the aforesaid three questions/issues are

common.

42. On behalf of the respondent-APML as well as the

respondent-GMR, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, learned Senior

Counsel advanced the arguments. His arguments were

supplemented by Shri Vishrov Mukherjee, learned Counsel.

SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE DISCOMS

43. The main arguments that were advanced on behalf of the

Distribution Companies (hereinafter referred to “DISCOMS”) are

as under:

(i) The SHR and GCV value are declared in the bid

document and it is not permissible for the

20 Generating Companies to claim advantage on

the basis of SHR value which is different than

the one quoted i.e. the SHR value as provided in

the Tariff Regulations or the actual. It is their

submission that the declaration of operational

parameters i.e. SHR and GCV were the mandate

of the bid in case of Case-1 competitive bidding

process. It is submitted that if deviation from

such declared bid parameters for compensating

the bidder/ Generating Companies/ Generators

under the PPA on the ground of Change in Law

is permitted, it will take away the very sanctity

of the bid.

(ii) It is submitted that to ensure serious

participation in the bid process and for timely

completion of commencement of supply of

power, the Competitive Bidding Guidelines 2005

itself mandates the

21 bidder/generator/Generating Companies to

have a ‘firm’ fuel arrangement. It is their

submission that it is mandatory for the

bidder/generator to declare the ‘quantity’ of fuel

required to generate power for the entire term of

the PPA. The DISCOMS argued that the

quantity of fuel can only be ascertained by

applying the SHR and GCV components as

declared in the bid.

(iii) It is submitted that the RFP itself mandated the

participating bidders/generators to submit

documentary evidence with regard to the

‘quantity’ of fuel required to generate power for

the entire term of 25 years of the PPA.

(iv) It is submitted that for ascertaining the

‘quantity’, it was also necessary for the

bidder/generator to provide ‘supporting

22 computation’ by declaring the SHR and GCV

value applicable for the entire term of the PPA.

(v) It is the contention on behalf of the DISCOMS

that the bidder/generator, while submitting

his/its bids, is required to submit the bids by

taking into consideration all factors, including

risks regarding fluctuations, availability of

fuel/coal, etc. It is submitted that if there is

any change with regard to the availability of fuel

or the rate at which a bidder/generator is

required to procure the coal, then the

bidder/generator has to suffer the

consequences thereof as he/it has submitted

his/its bid with eyes open.

(vi) The thrust of the argument of the DISCOMS is

that in a competitive bid based PPA under

Section 63 of the Electricity Act, the quoted

tariff is sacrosanct and it is not open for the

23 respondent/generator to seek higher tariff or

extra compensation under the PPA, except as

per Article 13 of the PPA dealing with impact of

Change in Law. It is submitted that the reliance

placed by the learned APTEL on the judgment of

this Court in the Case of Energy Watchdog

(supra) is totally misconceived.

(vii) It is, therefore, submitted that the relief for the

impact of NCDP 2013 is admissible only to the

extent of the changes brought about by the

NCDP 2013 and not in excess thereof. It is

submitted that the Change in Law made by the

Central Government on 31st July 2013 was vis-

à-vis the NCDP 2007 which was in force as on

the cut-off date provided in Article 13.1 of the

PPA i.e. 7 days before the bid submission date.

It is submitted that the very purpose of

compensating the party affected by Change in

24 Law is to restore, through monthly tariff

payments, the affected party to the same

economic position as if the Change in Law had

not occurred.

(viii) It is submitted that as per para 2.2 of the NCDP

2007 read with para 5.2, CIL was entitled to

meet the shortfall in the availability of domestic

coal by importing coal. In such event, the

Generators were required to pay the higher cost

of imported coal to CIL. It is submitted that

while submitting the bids, the

bidders/generators, therefore, had submitted

their bids for supply of electricity to the

DISCOMS knowing the position that they will

not be compensated for higher cost of imported

coal separately, over and above the quoted

tariff /quoted energy charges, in the event of

supply of imported coal by CIL.

25

(ix) It is contended that, if in the event the

Generator could have procured the fuel/coal at

a lesser price, then the benefit which would

have occurred to him/it on account of such

saving in procurement would have gone to

him/it. On the same analogy, if the Generator is

required to obtain the fuel/coal at a higher price

then he/it cannot be heard to say that he/it

should be compensated for the same.

(x) It is submitted that, as a matter of fact, till 31 st

July 2013 i.e. when the NCDP 2013 was

brought into effect, there could have been no

claims from the Generators for increase in tariff

to be allowed for higher coal cost on account of

imported coal supply. It is submitted that if the

NCDP 2013 had not brought about a Change in

Law, the position as prevalent before would

have continued. It is submitted that this Court

26 has consistently held that an unprecedented

increase in input cost cannot be a ground for a

supplier not to perform the obligations under a

binding contract or seek higher price or

compensation for such performance.

(xi) It is the submission of the DISCOMS that the

benefit on account of the Change in Law

brought into effect by the NCDP 2013 has to be

restricted only to the extent of shortfall as

provided by the said policy. It is submitted that

if it was the intention of the NCDP 2013 to

provide for relief through the Change in

Law/policy decision for the shortfall even below

the specified percentages i.e. for entire shortfall

on actual basis, then there was no rationale in

specifying the percentages in the NCDP 2013.

(xii) It is further contended by the DISCOMS that

the contention of the Generating Companies

27 that Shakti Policy 2017 was a continuation of

NCDP 2013 is incorrect. It is submitted that

the first part under (A) of the Shakti Policy 2017

deals with the old regime of LoA/FSA which is

the NCDP aspect. The second part under (B)

deals with the new transparent coal allocation

policy called SHAKTI. It is submitted that, as a

matter of fact, SHAKTI and allocation of coal

thereunder was admissible only to Entities

which did not have any LoA/FSA under the

NCDP 2007 or the NCDP 2013. Reliance in this

respect has been placed on the judgment of this

Court in the case of Jaipur Vidyut Vitaran

Nigam Ltd. and others v. Adani Power

Rajasthan Limited and another2 (hereinafter

referred to as “Adani Rajasthan case”)

2 2020 SCC Online SC 697 28

(xiii) It is submitted that the law laid down by this

Court in the case of Energy Watchdog (supra)

has been applied by the learned APTEL in a

patently erroneous and perverse manner.

(xiv) It is submitted that the total quantum of coal

required is to be computed not in an abstract

manner but is to be necessarily based on the

SHR of the power station. It is submitted that

the SHR has nothing to do with coal quality or

GCV of coal. It is submitted that the SHR is the

boiler and turbine characteristic of a thermal

power station and, therefore, indicative of the

quality and efficiency of the machine. It is

submitted that the quantum of coal requirement

is less with lower SHR and increases with

higher SHR, inasmuch as it relates to the ability

and efficiency of the machines to extract heat

29 energy from coal to produce per unit of

electricity.

(xv) It is submitted that in Case 2 bidding, the net

SHR is a bidding parameter as coal linkage is

arranged by the entity inviting bids, and actual

cost of coal is allowed as a pass-through in the

tariff as per the formula specified. It is their

submission that there are no quoted energy

charges in Case 2 bidding but only quoted fixed

charges. It is submitted that, whereas, in Case

1 bidding, SHR may not, as such, be the criteria

for selection but is a necessary requirement/

condition to be given for identifying the

quantum of coal required to generate electricity

over the length of the PPA. While submitting

his/its bid and quoting energy charges, the

bidder/generator was required to take into

consideration the quantum of coal requirement

30 which, in turn, is based on the SHR and

auxiliary consumption parameters to be given

by the bidder/generator. It is submitted that

the coal Supply Agreement for quantum of coal

is signed by CIL only for the quantum as

determined above, based on the SHR and

operating parameters provided by the

bidder/generator. It is submitted that the view

taken by the learned APTEL is contrary to the

view taken by it between the same parties in its

judgment dated 13th April 2018 in Appeal No.

210 of 2017.

(xvi) It is submitted that if the SHR which is higher

than the one quoted by the bidder/generator is

to be taken into consideration, then it will

amount to granting premium to the Generator

for its inefficiency. It is submitted that if the

coal consumption increases on account of

31 highest SHR, the excess expenditure on

quantum of coal is to be borne by the

Generator.

(xvii) It is submitted that if the bid assumed SHR is

2200 kcal/kg and actual SHR is 2300 kcal/kg,

when the quoted tariff is based on the SHR of

2200 kcal/kg, for Change in Law impact, SHR

of 2300 kcal/kg cannot be permitted to be used

for computation of compensation for Change in

Law.

(xviii) It is submitted that the impugned judgment

permitting the actual SHR or the SHR given in

Tariff Regulations, whichever is lower, if upheld,

would amount to converting the scope of

Section 63 tariff determination into a Section 62

cost plus tariff determination. It is submitted

that this is impermissible in a competitive bid

based PPA.

32 (xix) It is further submitted that the MERC Tariff

Regulations expressly provides that the Tariff

Regulations will have no application to Section

63 tariff determination and the same is

governed by the guidelines of the Central

Government under Section 63 of the Electricity

Act.

(xx) It is submitted that perusal of Regulation 2(2)(a)

of the Central Electricity Regulatory

Commission (Terms and Conditions of Tariff)

Regulations, 2019 would reveal that they are

not applicable where the tariff has been

discovered through tariff based competitive

bidding in accordance with the guidelines

issued by the Central Government and adopted

by the Commission under Section 63 of the

Electricity Act.

33 (xxi) It is submitted that when admittedly there is bid

assumed SHR as per bidding conditions, the

learned APTEL cannot ignore the same on the

purported ground of equity and provide for an

alternate parameter for computational purpose

of actual SHR with the ceiling as under the

Tariff Regulations. It is submitted that this will

result in changing the bidding terms and

conditions after the bid was accepted and

became final.

(xxii) It is further submitted that the finding that the

GCV computation is to be made on ‘as received’

basis, is also patently erroneous. It is

submitted that the real purpose behind relying

on the said methodology of computation is to

recover the grade slippage in the coal grade

actually supplied as against the coal grade

billed by the Coal Company and all the losses in

34 the heat value of the coal during the time period

when the coal is taken delivery from the coal

mines and transported to the Power Plant and

unloading at the Power Plant site.

(xxiii) It is submitted that the evaluation of GCV on air

dried basis by Coal Company was well

known/existing even prior to bidding and the

Generators were very much aware of it.

Accordingly, the same has already been factored

into while the Generators submitted their bids.

As such, if the computation of GCV is permitted

on ‘as received’ basis, the Generators will be

doubly compensated. In any case, it is

submitted that if the Generators had any issues

with regard to the grade of coal i.e. GCV range

and quantum, then that is an issue between the

Generators and the respective Coal Companies,

which is required to be resolved under the FSA

35 between them. The DISCOMS cannot be roped

into for the resolution of such disputes between

the Generators/Generating Companies and the

Coal Companies.

(xxiv) Lastly, it is submitted that since the letter of the

MoP, which has been considered as a Change in

Law event, is dated 31st July 2013, the learned

APTEL could not have given effect to the same

from 1st April 2013. It is submitted that this

would permit giving the benefit of compensation

with retrospective effect.

(xxv) Insofar as the reliance placed by the Generating

Companies on the judgment of this Court in

Adani Rajasthan case is concerned, it is

submitted that the said judgment would not be

applicable to the facts of the present case. It is

submitted that in the said case, there was no

36 FSA and the State Government had undertaken

to supply the entire coal quantum.

(xxvi) It is further submitted that the judgment of this

Court in the case of Nabha Power Limited

(NPL) v. Punjab State Power Corporation

Limited (PSPCL) and another3 would also not

be applicable to the facts of the present case

inasmuch as the said case was under Case-2.

(xxvii) It is submitted that the inability of a Generator

to seek sufficient relief from the Coal Companies

cannot be a reason to claim relief from the

Distribution Licensees/DISCOMS or the

consumers. The DISCOMS cannot be penalized

on account of failure by the Coal Companies of

supplying sufficient coal.

(xxviii) An additional ground in Civil Appeal No.6927 of

2021 raised is that CERC has erred in holding

3 (2018) 11 SCC 508

37 that the principle of late payment surcharge

envisaged in Articles 8.3.5 and 8.8.3 of the PPA

is applicable towards payment of the balance

amounts by MSEDCL in respect of the relief

under Change in Law.

SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE GENERATING COMPANIES

44. As against this, it is submitted on behalf of the Generating

Companies as under:

(i) It is submitted that under the NCDP 2007,

100% normative coal requirement of Generating

Companies was assured to be supplied by the

CIL. However, by NCDP 2013, the responsibility

of CIL to supply coal was reduced to 65%, 65%,

67% and 75% of ACQ for the remaining years of

the 12th Five Year Plan i.e. Financial Year 2013-

14 to Financial Year 2016-17.

38

(ii) It is submitted that the NCDP has been held to

be a law for the purposes of the Electricity Act.

It is, therefore, submitted that the Generating

Companies are entitled to compensation for the

shortfall of coal in terms of NCDP 2013 and the

same has to be paid on actuals, i.e. to the

extent the shortfall in coal supply actually

exists.

(iii) It is submitted that the said issue is no more

res integra and is covered by the judgment of

this Court in the case of Energy Watchdog

(supra) and in Adani Rajasthan case (supra).

(iv) It is submitted that, as per the guideless issued

by the MoP, for Case-1 bidding, SHR and GCV

are not bid parameters. The SHR and GCV

mentioned in the bid is part of technical

information and is not relevant for computing

Change in Law compensation. It is submitted

39 that there are substantial distinctions between

Case-1 and Case-2 bid. The first one is that in

Case-1 bid, SHR and GCV are not bid

parameters, whereas in Case-2, SHR and GCV

are bid parameters. Secondly, in Case-1

bidding, energy charge is not computed since

the energy charge forms part of quoted tariff,

whereas in Case-2 bidding, energy charge is

computed based on the net heat rate quoted in

the financial bid. Thirdly, in Case-1 bidding, the

PPA has no definition of quoted Net Heat

Rate/SHR, whereas in Case-2 bid, the PPA

defines quoted Net Heat Rate/SHR. It is,

therefore, submitted that in Case-1 bid there is

no consideration of SHR and GCV in the

formula of energy charge, whereas in Case-2

bid, these two parameters provide the formula

for computing energy charge.

40 (v) It is submitted that the learned APTEL in the

case of Wardha Power v. Reliance

Infrastructure & Ors.4 has held that if SHR

and GCV as submitted in the bid are considered

for Change in Law compensation, it may result

in over or under recovery and should be

considered only on ‘actuals’. It is submitted

that the said judgment in Wardha Power

(supra) has not been challenged/appealed

against and has thus attained finality.

(vi) The Generators further rely on the judgment of

this Court in Adani Rajasthan case (supra). It

is submitted that in the said case, the learned

APTEL had held that operational parameters

(like SHR and Auxiliary consumption) must be

considered as per ‘normative’ value, and this

view has been upheld by this Court.

4 Appeal No.288 of 2013 41

(vii) It is further submitted that the MERC in its

order dated 7th March 2018 in Case No.123 of

2017 (JSW v. MSEDCL) has held that the lower

of actual or normative parameter for Auxiliary

consumption (an operational parameter like

SHR) has to be considered for Change in Law

compensation. It is submitted that the

MSEDCL has not challenged the said judgment,

which has thus attained finality.

(viii) It is submitted that the SHR is continuously

being monitored and its actual value, as

certified by Energy Auditors, is submitted to

MSEDCL along with claims. As such, ‘actuals’

can be ascertained and verified for computation

purposes.

(ix) It is submitted that, equally, the GCV of coal is

certified by third party sampling agencies. A

GCV certificate is submitted to MSEDCL for

42 each railway rake separately, along with claim.

Such ‘actuals’ on ‘as received’ basis can be

ascertained/verified for computational

purposes.

(x) It is further submitted that some of the

DISCOMS in the proceedings before the CERC

have contended that the SHR shall be

considered after ascertaining actual design heat

rate and margin as per CERC Regulations from

time to time. They have further taken a stand

that Auxiliary Consumption shall be considered

as per CERC Regulations. On affidavit, it is also

stated that GCV of alternate coal shall be as

certified by a Third Party Sampling Agency, for

which the Commission should provide

appropriate guideline. It is, however, submitted

that now the DISCOMS are taking a U-turn by

43 contending that the SHR should be based on

bid assumed parameters.

(xi) It is submitted that, in any case, to maintain

balance, APML had itself offered for the benefit

to be granted on the lower of ‘actual’ or

‘normative’ SHR as per Regulations. The same

has been accepted by the learned APTEL. It is

submitted that this will ensure that no

inefficiency is passed on to consumers and, at

the same time, the Generator is restituted.

(xii) It is submitted that had there been no

occurrence of Change in Law event, i.e. there

was no shortfall in coal supply, the tariff

payment to the Generating Companies would

have been based on quoted energy charge. In

such a situation, SHR and GCV of coal would

not have come into the picture. However, when

there is an occurrence of Change in Law event,

44 the principle of ‘Restitution’ comes into play. It

is submitted that ‘restitution’ can take place

only with consideration of ‘actual’ parameters.

(xiii) It is submitted that taking this into

consideration, expert bodies like the CERC and

APTEL have allowed the SHR and GCV to be

determined on ‘actual’ basis.

(xiv) It is submitted that the SHR indicated in the bid

as part of technical information does not

conform to the mandate of restitution as it

cannot put the Generator back to the same

economic position had Change in Law event not

occurred.

(xv) It is submitted as per the NCDP 2007, 100%

normative requirement of coal was to be

supplied by the CIL. However, due to shortfall

of coal in the country, the responsibility of CIL

to supply coal was reduced to 65%, 65%, 67%

45 and 75% of the ACQ. The shortfall in coal was

to be met either by the CIL or by the Generating

Companies/Generators by importing coal. It is

submitted that the higher cost of such imported

coal was allowed to be a pass-through.

(xvi) It is submitted that a conjoint reading of CERC

statutory advice dated 20th May 2013, CCEA

decision dated 21st June 2013, MoP letter dated

31st July 2013, and clause 6.1 of the Tariff

Policy 2016 issued by the MoP would reveal that

pass-through of the higher cost of quantity of

shortfall in coal procured from alternate sources

was to be allowed. It is submitted that this

position has been upheld by the judgments of

this Court in the case of Energy Watchdog

(supra) and Adani Rajasthan case (supra).

(xvii) It is submitted that this pass-through is by way

of restitution due to shortfall in 100% assured

46 quantity of coal and it cannot be limited to the

percentages/trigger levels specified in the NCDP

2013. It is submitted that the principle of

restitution would require the pass-through to

the extent the supply from CIL was cut down. It

is submitted that an argument to the contrary

has already been rejected by this Court in the

case of Adani Rajasthan case (supra).

(xviii) In addition to the judgments of this Court in the

cases of Energy Watchdog (supra) and Adani

Rajasthan case (supra), the Generating

Companies also rely on the judgment of this

court in the case of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran

Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) and another v.

Adani Power Limited and others5.

(xix) It is also submitted that the contention on the

part of the DISCOMS that Adani Rajasthan

5 (2019) 5 SCC 325

47 case (supra) would not be applicable to the

facts of the present case, inasmuch as there

was no FSA scenario, is also factually incorrect.

45. In addition to the aforesaid submissions, the respondent

in Civil Appeal No.6927 of 2021 i.e. GMR, the following

submissions have been made.

(i) That Schedule 10 of the PPA executed between

GMR and MSEDCL clearly mentions that the

levelized tariff will be as per CERC Regulations.

(ii) It is submitted that the normative SHR as

mentioned in the bid is computed assuming

power plant is operating at 85% of the Plant

Load Factor (“PLF” for short). It is, however,

submitted that the PLF is at the sole discretion

of the procurer-DISCOMS as they decide the

quantum of power to off-take.

(iii) It is submitted that the SHR is a real-time

operating parameter which varies from time to

48 time, and it is computed by working out the

total electricity generated from the amount of

coal consumed in heat value (kCal) terms.

(iv) It is further submitted that the GCV of coal

actually delivered at site and fed to the boiler

varies from wagon to wagon. It cannot be a

homogeneous value.

(v) It is further submitted that the details given in

the bid with regard to SHR and GCV were only

indicative of the coal linkage to show that GMR

had the necessary means to supply power on

sustained basis and was a serious bidder, and

to further demonstrate its meeting of the

eligibility requirement prescribed under the

RFP.

(vi) It is submitted that the supporting

documents/information regarding fuel only

provides the quantity of coal required for the

49 project at Normative PLF and SHR computed as

per CERC norms, which is 2355 kCal/kWh. It

is submitted that MSEDCL is now insisting on

Design Gross Heat Rate of 2211 kCal/kWh,

which was not considered even for computation

of quantum of coal at the time of bid

submission.

(vii) It is further submitted that the Central

Electricity Authority, vide Notifications dated

17th October 2017 and 18th October 2017, has

even allowed for loss in GCV from ‘as received

basis’ to ‘as fired basis’ and as such, there is no

reason as to why GCV could not be computed

on ‘as received basis’.

(viii) It is further submitted that the MSEDCL cannot

be permitted to equate GMR’s case with APML

and Rattan India Power Limited inasmuch as

GMR falls under the jurisdiction of CERC,

50 whereas the other two fall under the jurisdiction

of MERC.

(ix) Insofar as late payment charges are concerned,

it is submitted that MSEDCL had unilaterally

deducted the amount, which is contrary to the

provisions of the PPA and as such, both CERC

and learned APTEL have rightly held that GMR

was entitled to late payment surcharge in terms

of Article 8.3.5. Reliance in this respect is

placed on the judgment of this Court in the case

of Maharashtra State Electricity

Distribution Company Limited v.

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory

Commission and others6 and Tamil Nadu

Generation & Distribution Corporation

6 (2022) 4 SCC 657

51 Limited v. PPN Power Generating Company

Private Limited7

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

46. For considering the rival submissions, it will be relevant to

refer to certain documents placed on record.

47. The MoP notified the Competitive Bidding Guidelines,

2005 (hereinafter referred to as “the said Guidelines”) on 19 th

January 2005. The said Guidelines were framed under Section

63 of the Electricity Act. It will be relevant to refer to the

following part of the preamble of the said Guidelines.

“1. Preamble ………..

These guidelines have been framed under the above provisions of section 63 of the Act. The specific objectives of these guidelines are as follows:

1. Promote competitive procurement of electricity by distribution licensees;

2. Facilitate transparency and fairness in procurement processes;

3. Facilitate reduction of information asymmetries for various bidders;

7 (2014) 11 SCC 53

52

4. Protect consumer interests by facilitating competitive conditions in procurement of electricity;

5. Enhance standardization and reduce ambiguity and hence time for materialization of projects;

6. Provide flexibility to suppliers on internal operations while ensuring certainty on availability of power and tariffs for buyers.”

48. Paragraph 2 of the said Guidelines deals with the scope of

the Guidelines. Para 2.2 of the said Guidelines reads thus:

“2.2. The guidelines shall apply for procurement of base-load, peak-load and seasonal power requirements through competitive bidding, through the following mechanisms:

(i) Where the location, technology, or fuel is not specified by the procurer (Case 1);

(ii) For hydro-power projects, load center projects or other location specific projects with specific fuel allocation such as captive mines available, which the procurer intends to set up under tariff based bidding process (Case 2).

53 However separate RFP shall be used for procuring base load or peak load or seasonal load requirements as the case may be.”

49. It can thus be seen that Para 2.2 distinguishes two types

of cases, viz., Case-1 and Case-2. Case-1 deals with the case

where the location, technology, or fuel is not specified by the

procurer. Case-2 deals with hydro-power projects, load center

projects or other location specific projects with specific fuel

allocation such as captive mines available, which the procurer

intends to set up under tariff based bidding process.

50. Paragraph 3 of the said Guidelines deals with preparation

for inviting bids. Clause (I) of Para 3.2 deals with Case-2,

whereas clause (II) of Para 3.2 deals with Case-1. Sub-clause (i)

of clause (II) of Para 3.2 requires the bidder to undertake site

identification and land acquisition. The bidder is required to

submit a copy of notification issued for the land in question

under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. For the part

of land excluding that which is to be acquired under the Land

54 Acquisition Act, 1894, the bidder is required to furnish

documentary evidence to establish allotment/ lease/

ownership/ vesting of at least one-third area of the said land.

Under sub-clause (ii), the bidder is required to submit

environmental clearance for the power station. Under sub-

clause (iii), the bidder is required to supply forest clearance, if

applicable, for the land for the power station. Sub-clause (iv) is

the most important for the resolution of the present dispute,

which reads thus:

“3. Preparation for inviting bids

3.1 …………

3.2 (I) ……………

(II) ………………

(i) ………………

(ii) ………………

(iii) ………………

iv) Fuel Arrangements: (a) In the following cases fuel arrangements shall have to be made for the quantity of fuel required to generate power from the phase of the power station from which power is proposed to be

55 supplied at Normative Availability for the term of the PPA.

 In case of domestic coal, the Bidder shall have made firm arrangements for fuel tie up either by way of coal block allocation or fuel linkage  In case of domestic gas, the Bidder shall have made firm arrangements for fuel tie up by way of long term fuel supply agreement for the term & quantity as per Government of India gas allocation policy

b) Fuel arrangements in the following cases shall have to be made for the quantity of fuel required to generate power from the power station for the total installed capacity.

 In case of imported coal, the Bidder shall have either acquired mines having proven reserves for at least 50% of the quantity of coal required OR shall have a fuel supply agreement for at least 50% of the quantity of coal required for a term of at least five (5) years or the term of the PPA, whichever is less.

 In case of RLNG, the Bidder shall have made firm arrangements for fuel tie up by

56 way of fuel supply agreement for at least 50% of the quantity of fuel required for a term of at least five (5) years or the term of the PPA, whichever is less.

Blending of Imported and Domestic coal may be used in which case, criteria for imported and domestic coal shall be met separately in the ratio of blending.”

51. It can thus be seen that in case of domestic coal, the

bidder is required to make firm arrangements for fuel tie up

either by way of coal block allocation or fuel linkage.

52. Clause (b) of sub-clause (iv) of clause (II) of Para 3.2 deals

with imported coal, in which case the bidder shall have either

acquired mines having proven reserves for at least 50% of the

quantity of coal required OR shall have a fuel supply agreement

for at least 50% of the quantity of coal required for a term of at

least five years or the term of the PPA, whichever is less.

57

53. Paragraph 4 of the said Guidelines deals with Tariff

Structure. It will be relevant to refer to Para 4.2, which reads

thus:

“4. Tariff Structure

4.1 ……..

4.2. In case of long term procurement with specific fuel allocation (Case 2), the procurer shall invite bids on the basis of capacity charge and net quoted heat rate. The net heat rate shall be ex-bus taking into account internal power consumption of the power station. The energy charges shall be payable as per the following formula:

Energy Charges = Net quoted heat rate X Scheduled Generation X Monthly Weighted Average Price of Fuel/Monthly Average Gross Calorific Value of Fuel

If the price of the fuel has not been determined by the Government of India, government approved mechanism or the Fuel Regulator, the same shall have to be approved by the appropriate Regulatory Commission.

In case of coal/lignite fuel, the cost of secondary fuel oil shall be factored in the capacity charges.”

58

54. It can thus be seen that insofar as Case-2 is concerned,

the procurer is required to invite bids on the basis of capacity

charge and net quoted heat rate. The net heat rate is required

to be ex-bus taking into account internal power consumption of

the power station. It further provides that if the price of the fuel

is not determined by the Government of India, government

approved mechanism or the Fuel Regulator, the same shall

have to be approved by the appropriate Regulatory Commission.

55. Para 4.4 provides that the capacity charge shall be paid

based on actual availability, as per charges quoted in Rs./kwh

and shall be limited to the normative availability. It further

provides that the normative availability for Case-1 and thermal

stations under Case-2 shall be a maximum of 85%.

56. Para 4.7 is another important clause for the resolution of

the present dispute, which reads thus:

“4.7. Any change in law impacting cost or revenue from the business of selling electricity to the procurer with respect to

59 the law applicable on the date which is 7 days before the last date for RFP bid submission shall be adjusted separately. In case of any dispute regarding the impact of any change in law, the decision of the Appropriate Commission shall apply.”

57. It can thus be seen that any Change in Law impacting cost

or revenue from the business of selling electricity to the

procurer with respect to the law applicable on the date which is

7 days before the last date for RFP bid submission shall be

adjusted separately. It provides that in case of any dispute

regarding the impact of any Change in Law, the decision of the

Appropriate Commission shall apply.

58. It will also be relevant to refer to Para 4.12, which reads

thus:

“4.12 No adjustment shall be provided for heat rate degradation of the generating stations. Even in case of bids based on net heat rate, the bidder shall factor in site conditions, loading conditions, frequency variations etc and no adjustment shall be allowed on the quoted net heat rate for the duration of the contract.”

60

59. It can thus be seen that no adjustment is to be provided

for heat rate degradation of the generating stations. Even in

case of bids based on net heat rate, the bidder shall factor in

site conditions, loading conditions, frequency variations etc.

and no adjustment shall be allowed on the quoted net heat rate

for the duration of the contract.

60. The NCDP 2007 would be of vital importance. Clause 2.2

thereof deals with Power Utilities including Independent Power

Producers (IPPs)/Captive Power Plants (CPPs) and Fertilizer

Sector. Clause 2.2 reads thus:

“2. Distribution and Pricing of coal to different consumers/sector(s):

2.1. ………………

2.2 Power Utilities including Independent Power Producers (IPPs)/Captive Power Plants(CPPs) and Fertilizer Sector

100% of the quantity as per the normative requirement of the consumers would be considered for supply of coal,

61 through Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) by Coal India Limited (CIL) at fixed prices to be declared/notified by CIL. The units/power plants, which are yet to be commissioned but whose coal requirements has already been assessed and accepted by Ministry of Coal and linkage/Letter of Assurance (LoA) approved as well as future commitments would also be covered accordingly.”

61. It can thus be seen that the NCDP 2007 assured 100% of

the quantity as per the normative requirement of the consumers

for supply of coal, through FSA by CIL at fixed prices to be

declared/notified by CIL. It further provided that the

units/power plants, which are yet to be commissioned but

whose coal requirements has already been assessed and

accepted by MoC and linkage/Letter of Assurance (LoA)

approved as well as future commitments would also be covered

in accordance therewith.

62. It will also be relevant to note the following part of clause

5.2 of the NCDP 2007.

“5. Policy for New Consumers

62 5.1. ……………

5.2. …………… In order to meet the domestic requirement of coal, CIL may have to import coal as may be required from time to time, if feasible. CIL may adjust its overall price accordingly. Thus, it will be the responsibility of CIL/Coal companies to meet full requirement of coal under FSAs even by resorting to imports, if necessary.”

63. It can thus be seen that clause 5.2 of the NCDP 2007

provides that in order to meet the domestic requirement of coal,

CIL may have to import coal as may be required from time to

time, if feasible. It further provided that CIL would adjust its

overall price accordingly. The NCDP 2007 emphasizes the

responsibility of CIL/Coal Companies to meet full requirement

of coal under FSAs even by resorting to imports, if necessary.

64. It will also be relevant to refer to the communication

addressed by the MoP dated 9 th May 2013 to the Secretary,

CERC.

63 “Subject: Impact on tariff on the concluded PPAs due to domestic coal availability.

Sir,

Coal linkages have been granted for power projects under the New Coal Distribution Policy 2007 (NCDP), which mandates that CIL will meet 100% of normative requirement of power sector. Para 5.2 of NCDP provides that “In order to meet the domestic requirement of coal, CIL may have to import coal as may be required from time to time, if feasible. CIL may adjust its overall price accordingly. Thus, it will be the responsibility of CIL/Coal companies to meet full requirement of coal under FSAs even by resorting to imports, if necessary”. Post NCDP MoC granted linkages between 2008-2010 with the assumption that it would meet coal requirement at around 85% PLF. On this basis LoAs were issued by coal companies, after getting commitment guarantees in the form of Bank Guarantee from the developers thereby undertaking an explicit obligation to supply coal to the extent of the specified quantity to the power developer. Having obtained the LOA the developers would have proceeded on the assumption of getting the requisite quantity of domestic coal with the disincentive trigger of 90% of LoA

64 quantity prevailing under the then Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) with a provision for CIL resorting to import of coal to bridge the gap, if any. It is assumed that the power producers would have factored this assurance regarding coal supply while submitting their bids in response to Case 1 and Case 2 competitive bidding for long term power purchase agreements. Thus, while the fuel price risk would have been taken into account and factored in the escalable component of energy charges, it is assumed that no fuel availability risk would have been taken into consideration on account of the LOAs given by CIL.

2. It now transpires that on account of the limited availability of coal Ministry of Col has indicated that CIL may not be in a position to supply more than 60 to 65% of ACQ to those power producers who had been earlier issued LOAs of normative quantities corresponding to 85% PLF. Simultaneously, it has been proposed that the disincentive trigger for coal supply would be brought down from 90% to 60 to 65% by CIL in the new fuel supply agreements to be signed with these power producers. This obviously would create a situation where the power producers would have to arrange fuel from open market including imports either through CIL or directly. In view of

65 this scenario, PPAs which are already concluded between the developers and discoms as a result of competitive bidding in the last few years based on domestic coal linkage (LOA) may have to use imported coal to bridge the shortage of domestic coal in order to fulfil that contractual obligations. The Association of Power Producers represented on this issue of shortage of domestic coal and its consequential effect on the concluded PPAs through competitive bidding route.

3. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has also considered the situation arising out of the inadequate availability of coal leading to this non-fulfilment of the LOA commitments on the part of CIL. CCEA has decided the following guidelines in its meeting held on 06.02.2013 in respect of generating plants commissioned/to be commissioned during the period 1.4.09 to 31.03.15:

i) CIL will provide imported coal on cost plus basis to all producers willing to take such cost;

ii) That the higher cost of imported coal will be allowed as a pass through.

3. In view of the circumstances stated above CERC is requested to advice the Government on the manner in which the

66 issue of fuel availability risk arising out of CIL’s inability to meet its LOA commitments could be addressed with regard to power producers who have already entered into long term PPAs with distribution companies based on such commitments and the feasibility of passing on the additional cost of procuring market fuel incurred by the power developers on account of the circumstances stated in the aforesaid paras. CERC is also requested to suggest appropriate ways for issuing advisory to SERCs/State Governments which may necessitated to be issued by MoP for the implementation of the above.

4. CERC’s considered advice is requested in this matter at the earliest.

5. This issues with the approval of MOSP (I/C).”

65. Perusal of the communication dated 9th May 2013 would

clearly show that the NCDP 2007 mandates that CIL will meet

100% of normative requirement of power sector. It states that,

post NCDP 2007, MoC has granted linkages between 2008-2010

with the assumption that it would meet coal requirement at

around 85% of the PLF. On that basis, the LoAs were issued by

67 Coal Companies, after getting commitment guarantees in the

form of Bank Guarantees from the developers, thereby

undertaking an explicit obligation to supply coal to the extent of

the specified quantify to the power developer. It further states

that having obtained the LoA, the developers would have

proceeded on the assumption of getting the requisite quantity of

domestic coal with the disincentive trigger of 90% of LoA

quantity prevailing under the then FSA with a provision for CIL

resorting to import of coal to bridge the gap, if any. It

specifically mentions that the power producers would have

factored in this assurance regarding coal supply while

submitting their bids in response to Case-1 and Case-2

competitive bidding for long-term PPAs.

66. The said communication further records that it now

transpires that on account of the limited availability of coal,

MoC has indicated that CIL may not be in a position to supply

more than 60 to 65% of ACQ to those power producers who had

been earlier issued LoAs of normative quantities corresponding

68 to 85% of the PLF. It was proposed that the disincentive trigger

for coal supply would be brought down from 90% to 60 to 65%

by CIL in the new FSAs to be signed with these power

producers. It further states that in view of this scenario, PPAs

which are already concluded between the developers and the

DISCOMS as a result of competitive bidding in the last few

years based on domestic coal linkage (LoA) may have to use

imported coal to bridge the shortage of domestic coal in order to

fulfil their contractual obligations.

67. The communication further records that the CCEA has

also considered the situation arising out of the inadequate

availability of coal leading to the non-fulfilment of its LOA

commitments on the part of the CIL. The CCEA, therefore, in

its meeting held on 6th February 2013 has decided the following

guidelines in respect of generating plants commissioned/to be

commissioned during the period 1st April 2009 to 31st March

2015:

69

ii) That CIL will provide imported coal on cost plus basis

to all producers willing to take such cost;

iii) That the higher cost of imported coal will be allowed as

a pass-through.

68. The communication therefore requested the CERC to

advise the Government on the manner in which the issue of fuel

availability risk, arising out of CIL’s inability to meet its LOA

commitments, could be addressed. The CERC was also

requested to suggest appropriate ways for issuing advisories to

SERCs/State Governments by the MoP, which may be

necessitated for the implementation of the above.

69. In pursuance of the aforesaid Communication dated 9th

May 2013, the CERC issued Statutory Advice on 20 th May 2013

under Section 79(2) of the Electricity Act regarding impact on

tariff of the concluded PPAs due to domestic coal availability. It

will be relevant to refer to the following part of the said

statutory advice.

70 “2. The matter was considered in the Commission. The Commission appreciates the need for securing fuel supply for various projects in order to ensure optimum generation from the power plants in the country. Non-availability of adequate quantum of coal has posed serious challenge to power generation as reflected in the data compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA): the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of the generating stations across the country has been severely affected for want of adequate coal supply by CIL/Coal Companies.

3. The proposal to make CIL supply imported coal on cost plus basis to all power projects commissioned or to be commissioned during the period 1.4.2009 to 31.3.2015 and willing to take such coal would require appropriate change in the NCDP, as at present it is the full responsibility of CIL to meet full requirement of coal under FSAs even by resorting to import; if necessary. As a follow up, the FSAs between the CIL/its subsidiaries and the power producers will have to be modified through Supplementary Agreements.”

70. It can thus clearly be seen that the CERC has noted that

the non-availability of adequate quantum of coal has posed

serious challenge to power generation as reflected in the data

compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). It further

71 noted that the PLF of the generating stations across the country

has been severely affected for want of adequate coal supply by

CIL/Coal Companies. It further records that to give effect to the

proposal to make CIL supply imported coal on cost plus basis to

all power projects commissioned or to be commissioned during

the period from 1st April 2009 to 31st March 2015 and willing to

take such coal, would require appropriate change in the NCDP,

as at present it is the full responsibility of CIL to meet full

requirement of coal under FSAs even by resorting to import, if

necessary. It further states that as a follow up, the FSAs

between the CIL/its subsidiaries and the power producers will

have to be modified through Supplementary Agreements.

71. After referring to clause 10.1.1 of the Standard PPA for

Procurement of Power under Case-1 Bidding Procedure, which

deals with ‘Change in Law’, the statutory advice states thus:

“For claiming any benefits under change in law, the Project Developer would have to move the appropriate Commission and the decision of that Commission in this regard would be final, in terms of the provisions

72 of Articles 10.3.3 and 10.3.4 of the Standard PPA. The appropriate Commissions are expected to take decisions on the merits of each case including the claims of the Project Developers for compensation on account of imported coal after consultation with the stakeholders.”

72. It can thus be seen that the CERC states that for claiming

any benefits under the Change in Law, the Project Developer

would have to move the appropriate Commission. It further

records that the appropriate Commissions are expected to take

decisions on the merits of each case including the claims of the

Project Developers for compensation on account of imported

coal after consultation with the stakeholders.

73. Subsequent to the aforesaid communication, the MoC

issued a Press Release on 21st June 2013. It will be relevant to

refer to the following part of the said Press Release.

“The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved the following mechanism for supply of coal to power producers:

73

(i) Coal India Ltd. (CIL) to sign Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA) for a total capacity of 78000 MW including cases of tapering linkage, which are likely to be commissioned by 31.03.2015. Actual coal supplies would however commence when long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are tied up.

(ii) Taking into account the overall domestic availability and actual requirements, FSAs to be signed for domestic coal quantity of 65 percent, 65 percent, 67 percent and 75 percent of Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) for the running four years of the 12th Five Year Plan.

(iii) To meet its balance FSA obligations, CIL may import coal and supply the same to the willing Thermal Power Plants (TPSs) on cost plus basis. TPPs may also import coal themselves. MoC to issue suitable instructions.

(iv) Higher cost of imported coal to be considered for pass through as per modalities suggested by CERC. MoC to issue suitable orders supplementing the New Coal Distribution Policy (NCDP).

MoP to issue appropriate advisory to CERC/SERCs including modifications if any in the bidding guidelines to enable the appropriate Commissions to decide

74 the pass through of higher cost of imported coal on case to case basis.”

74. It is thus clear that taking into account the overall

domestic availability and actual requirements, FSAs were to be

signed for domestic coal quantity of 65%, 65%, 67% and 75% of

ACQ for the running/remaining four years of the 12th Five Year

Plan. It can further be seen that the CCEA has also taken a

decision that CIL may import coal to meet its balance FSA

obligations and supply the same to the willing TPPs on cost plus

basis. TPPs may also be permitted to import coal themselves. It

further provided that the higher cost of imported coal was to be

considered for pass-through as per the modalities suggested by

the CERC.

75. In pursuance thereof, the Government of India, through

MoC, issued Office Memorandum dated 26th July 2013. The

said Office Memorandum reads thus:

“Sub: New Coal Distribution Policy -

further instructions regarding implementation thereof.

75 The New Coal Distribution Policy (NCDP) was issued vide this Ministry's Office Memorandum NO. 23011/4/2007-

CPD dated 18.10.2007, laying down the guidelines for distribution and pricing of coal to various sectors. As per para 2.2 of the said policy, Power Utilities including Independent Power Producer were to be supplied 100 per cent of the quantity as per their normative requirement through Fuel Supply Agreement(s) (FSAs) by Coal India Limited (CIL) at fixed prices to be declared/notified by CIL. As per para 5.2, in order to meet the domestic requirement, CIL was to import coal as required from time to time, if feasible and adjust the overall price accordingly.

2. Government has now approved a revised arrangement for supply of coal to the identified Thermal Power Stations (TPPs) of 78,000 MW capacity commissioned or likely to be commissioned during the period from 01.04.2009 to 31.03.2015. Taking into account the overall domestic availability and the likely actual requirements of these TPPs, it has been decided that FSAs will be signed for the domestic coal quantity of 65%, 65%, 67% and 75% of ACQ for the remaining four years of the 12th Plan for the power plants having normal coal linkages. Cases of tapering linkage would get coal supplies as per the Tapering

76 Linkage Police. To meet its balance FSA obligations towards the requirement of the said 78,000 MW TPPs, CIL may import coal and supply the same to the willing power plants on cost plus basis. Power plants may also directly import coal themselves, if they so opt, in which case, the FSA obligations on the part of CIL to the extent of import component would be deemed to have been discharged.

3. Para 2.2 and 5.2 of the New Coal Distribution Policy issued vide OM No. 23011/4/2007-CPD dated 18.10.2007 stand modified to the above extent.

4. The above guidelines will also be applicable to the distribution of coal from Singreni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

5. CIL and its subsidiaries and SCCL are advised to take further action accordingly.”

76. It can thus be seen that the NCDP 2013 also specifically

states that, as per NCDP 2007 and specifically paragraph 2.2

thereof, Power Utilities, including IPPs, were to be supplied

100% of the quantity as per their normative requirement

through FSAs by CIL at fixed prices to be declared/notified by

77 CIL. It further reiterates that, as per para 5.2, in order to meet

the domestic requirement, CIL was to import coal as required

from time to time, if feasible, and adjust the overall price

accordingly.

77. Para 2 of the NCDP 2013 states that the Government has

now approved a revised arrangement for supply of coal to the

identified TPPs of 78,000 MW capacity commissioned or likely

to be commissioned during the period from 1 st April 2009 to 31st

March 2015. It states that, taking into account the overall

domestic availability and the likely actual requirements of these

TPPs, it was decided that FSAs will be signed for the domestic

coal quantity of 65%, 65%, 67% and 75% of ACQ for the

remaining four years of the 12 th Plan for the power plants

having normal coal linkages. It further states that to meet the

balance FSA obligations towards the requirement of the said

78,000 MW TPPs, CIL may import coal and supply the same to

the willing power plants on cost plus basis. It further states

that the power plants may also directly import coal themselves,

78 if they so opt, in which case, the FSA obligations on the part of

CIL to the extent of import component would be deemed to have

been discharged.

78. Immediately thereafter, on 31st July 2013, the MoP

addressed a communication to the Secretary, CERC. It will be

relevant to refer to Para 2 of the said communication, which

reads thus:

“2. After considering all aspects and the advice of CERC in this regard, Government has decided the following in June, 2013:

i) taking into account the overall domestic availability and actual requirements, FSAs to be signed for domestic coal component for the levy of disincentive at the quantity of 65%, 65%, 67% and 75% of Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) for the remaining four years of the 12th Plan.

ii) to meet its balance FSA obligations, CIL may import coal and supply the same to the willing TPPs on cost plus basis.

79 TPPs may also import coal themselves if they so opt.

iii) higher cost of imported coal to be considered for pass through as per modalities suggested by CERC.”

79. It can thus clearly be seen that the Government, after

considering all aspects and the advice of CERC in this regard,

decided that the higher cost of imported coal was to be

considered for pass-through as per modalities suggested by the

CERC.

80. It will also be relevant to refer to Para 4 of the said

communication, which reads thus:

“4. As per decision of the Government, the higher cost of import/market based e- auction coal be considered for being made a pass through on a case to case basis by CERC/SERC to the extent of shortfall in the quantity indicated in the LoA/FSA and the CIL supply of domestic coal which would be minimum of 65%, 65%, 67% and 75% of LoA for the remaining four years of the 12th Plan for the already concluded PPAs based on tariff based competitive bidding.”

80

81. Perusal of para 4 would clearly reveal that the higher cost

of import/market based e-auction coal was to be considered for

being made a pass-through on a case to case basis by

CERC/SERC to the extent of shortfall in the quantity indicated

in the LoA/FSA. It further reiterates that CIL may supply

domestic coal which would be minimum of 65%, 65%, 67% and

75% of LoA for the remaining four years of the 12th Plan for the

already concluded PPAs based on tariff based competitive

bidding.

82. The MoP thereafter vide Resolution dated 28th January

2016 notified the ‘Tariff Policy’. It will be relevant to refer to

clause 6.1 of the said Policy, which reads thus:

“6.0 GENERATION ……………… 6.1 Procurement of power

As stipulated in para 5.1, power procurement for future requirements should be through a transparent competitive bidding mechanism using the guidelines issued by the Central Government from time to time. These guidelines provide for procurement of

81 electricity separately for base load requirements and for peak load requirements. This would facilitate setting up of generation capacities specifically for meeting such requirements.

However, some of the competitively bid projects as per the guidelines dated 19 th January, 2005 have experienced difficulties in getting the required quantity of coal from Coal India Limited (CIL). In case of reduced quantity of domestic coal supplied by CIL, vis-a-vis the assured quantity or quantity indicated in Letter of Assurance/FSA the cost of imported/market based e-auction coal procured for making up the shortfall, shall be considered for being made a pass through by Appropriate Commission on a case to case basis, as per advisory issued by Ministry of Power vide OM No. FU-

12/2011-IPC (Voi-IJI) dated 31.7.2013.”

83. It is thus clear that the Tariff Policy dated 28 th January

2016 provided that the power procurement for future

requirements should be through a transparent competitive

bidding mechanism using the guidelines issued by the Central

Government from time to time. It further provides the

guidelines for procurement of electricity separately for base load

82 requirements and for peak load requirements. It further notes

that some of the competitively bid projects as per the guidelines

dated 19th January, 2005 have experienced difficulties in getting

the required quantity of coal from CIL. It further provides that

in case of reduced quantity of domestic coal supplied by CIL vis-

à-vis the assured quantity or quantity indicated in LoA/FSA,

the cost of imported/market based e-auction coal procured for

making up the shortfall shall be considered for being made a

pass-through by Appropriate Commission on a case to case

basis. This is in pursuance of the advisory issued by Ministry of

Power dated 31st July 2013.

JUDGMENTS CITED

84. Having considered these documents, we will now consider

the judgments which are relied on by both the parties.

85. In the case of Energy Watchdog (supra), after several

rounds of litigation, the learned APTEL held that generation and

sale of power by Adani Power to GUVNL and Haryana Utilities

was a composite scheme within the meaning of Section 79(1)(b) 83 of the Electricity Act and, therefore, the CERC would have

jurisdiction to proceed further in the matter. It further held

that force majeure was made out on the facts of the said cases

and reversed the CERC’s/Commission’s order on that score. It

also held that the Change in Law provisions do not apply to

foreign law and, therefore, changes in Indonesian law did not

come within the scope of the provisions. Insofar as changes in

Indian law were concerned, it held that the government policies

that were relied upon did not constitute “law”. The said

decision of the learned APTEL was assailed before this Court.

This Court while rejecting the argument on the ground of force

majeure observed thus:

“42. It is clear from the above that the doctrine of frustration cannot apply to these cases as the fundamental basis of the PPAs remains unaltered. Nowhere do the PPAs state that coal is to be procured only from Indonesia at a particular price. In fact, it is clear on a reading of the PPA as a whole that the price payable for the supply of coal is entirely for the person who sets up the power plant to bear. The fact that the fuel supply agreement has to

84 be appended to the PPA is only to indicate that the raw material for the working of the plant is there and is in order. It is clear that an unexpected rise in the price of coal will not absolve the generating companies from performing their part of the contract for the very good reason that when they submitted their bids, this was a risk they knowingly took. We are of the view that the mere fact that the bid may be non- escalable does not mean that the respondents are precluded from raising the plea of frustration, if otherwise it is available in law and can be pleaded by them. But the fact that a non-escalable tariff has been paid for, for example, in the Adani case, is a factor which may be taken into account only to show that the risk of supplying electricity at the tariff indicated was upon the generating company.”

86. This Court, thereafter, considered as to whether any

Change in Law could be stretched to mean “all laws”. This

Court held that Clause 4.7 read with Clause 5.17 of the

Guidelines would reveal that it would not include changes in

Indonesian law, being foreign and not Indian law.

87. In Energy Watchdog (supra), this Court also had an

occasion to consider the MoP communication dated 31 st July

85 2013, the relevant part of which has already been reproduced

by us herein above. This Court observed thus:

“56. However, insofar as the applicability of Clause 13 to a change in Indian law is concerned, the respondents are on firm ground. It will be seen that under Clause 13.1.1 if there is a change in any consent, approval or licence available or obtained for the project, otherwise than for the default of the seller, which results in any change in any cost of the business of selling electricity, then the said seller will be governed under Clause 13.1.1. It is clear from a reading of the Resolution dated 21-6-2013, which resulted in the letter of 31-7-2013, issued by the Ministry of Power, that the earlier coal distribution policy contained in the letter dated 18-3-2007 stands modified as the Government has now approved a revised arrangement for supply of coal. It has been decided that, seeing the overall domestic availability and the likely requirement of power projects, the power projects will only be entitled to a certain percentage of what was earlier allowable. This being the case, on 31-7-2013…..”

88. This Court, thereafter, referred to the Tariff Policy dated

28th January 2016, the relevant part of which has already been

reproduced by us herein above. This Court observed thus:

86

“57. Both the letter dated 31-7-2013 and the revised Tariff Policy are statutory documents being issued under Section 3 of the Act and have the force of law. This being so, it is clear that so far as the procurement of Indian coal is concerned, to the extent that the supply from Coal India and other Indian sources is cut down, the PPA read with these documents provides in Clause 13.2 that while determining the consequences of change in law, parties shall have due regard to the principle that the purpose of compensating the party affected by such change in law is to restore, through monthly tariff payments, the affected party to the economic position as if such change in law has not occurred. Further, for the operation period of the PPA, compensation for any increase/decrease in cost to the seller shall be determined and be effective from such date as decided by the Central Electricity Regulation Commission. This being the case, we are of the view that though change in Indonesian law would not qualify as a change in law under the guidelines read with the PPA, change in Indian law certainly would.”

89. It can thus clearly be seen that insofar as the arguments

with regard to effect of the Change in Law being given on the

basis of ACQ is concerned, the same stands specifically

rejected.

87

90. A bench of three learned Judges of this Court in Adani

Rajasthan case (supra) also had an occasion to consider a

similar issue. An argument which is sought to be advanced

before us that the Change in Law claim may be confined only to

35 to 40% was also advanced in the said case. Rejecting the

said contention, this Court observed thus:

“50. Shri C. Aryama Sundaram argued that the FSA related approximately 61 per cent of the fuel requirement. Thus, the change in law claim may be confined to 35 to 40 per cent. The argument cannot be accepted as bidding was not based on dual fuel, but was evaluated on domestic coal. There was no such stipulation that evaluation of bidding was done on domestic basis; the tariff was to be worked out in the aforesaid ratio of 60 : 40 per cent of imported coal and domestic coal respectively. Apart from that, we find from the order of the APTEL, that change in law provision would be limited to a shortfall in the supply of domestic linkage coal......

51. It was clarified that APRL would be entitled to relief under the change in law provision to the extent of shortage in supply in domestic linkage coal. Thus, we find no merit in the submission raised. We find the

88 findings of the APTEL to be reasonable, proper, and unexceptional.”

91. In the said case (i.e. Adani Rajasthan case) also, the

provision with regard to the Change in Law was similar to the

one that falls for consideration in the present case. This Court

observed thus:

“59. The change in policy and in the terms and conditions prescribed for obtaining any consents, clearances and permits or the inclusion of any new terms or conditions for obtaining such consents, clearances, and permits are also included. The submission raised on behalf of appellant that there is no question seeking benefit due to change in foreign law is based on wrong factual premise. The relief was not claimed on the basis of change in foreign law. Apart from that, admission has been relied upon change in law. The PPA was based on the domestic law and there was a change in domestic law. Thus, consequences must follow. The Government of Rajasthan entered into a MoU with APRL with respect to coal linkage in 2008 to provide coal linkage or coal from other sources.

89 60. We find similarity in the present case as well as the Energy Watchdog. The factual matrix was similar with the present case.

We find that the RERC and the APTEL have recorded the concurrent finding on facts. We find no ground to interfere. No substantial question of law is involved. It was held in Energy Watchdog, that change in law was brought about in the NCDP of 2007 by the decision of 26.7.2013. It is provided in Article 10.2.1 how the change in law is to be applied to compensate for the impact.”

92. In the case of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited

(UHBVNL) (supra), this Court observed thus:

“13. A reading of Article 13 as a whole, therefore, leads to the position that subject to restitutionary principles contained in Article 13.2, the adjustment in monthly tariff payment, in the facts of the present case, has to be from the date of the withdrawal of exemption which was done by administrative orders dated 6-4- 2015 and 16-2-2016. The present case, therefore, falls within Article 13.4.1(i). This being the case, it is clear that the adjustment in monthly tariff payment has to be effected from the date on which the exemptions given were withdrawn. This being the case, monthly invoices to be

90 raised by the seller after such change in tariff are to appropriately reflect the changed tariff. On the facts of the present case, it is clear that the respondents were entitled to adjustment in their monthly tariff payment from the date on which the exemption notifications became effective. This being the case, the restitutionary principle contained in Article 13.2 would kick in for the simple reason that it is only after the order dated 4-5-2017 [Adani Power Ltd. v. Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd., 2017 SCC OnLine CERC 66] that CERC held that the respondents were entitled to claim added costs on account of change in law w.e.f. 1-4-2015. This being the case, it would be fallacious to say that the respondents would be claiming this restitutionary amount on some general principle of equity outside the PPA. Since it is clear that this amount of carrying cost is only relatable to Article 13 of the PPA, we find no reason to interfere with the judgment of the Appellate Tribunal.

93. This Court specifically rejected the contention of the

DISCOMS that the Generator was claiming the restitutionary

amount on some general principle of equity outside the PPA.

This Court held that the amount of carrying cost was relatable

to Article 13 of the PPA.

91 STATUTORY PROVISIONS WITH REGARD TO REGULATORY MECHANISM

94. We will now consider the relevant provisions of the

Electricity Act.

95. Section 70 of the Electricity Act deals with constitution of

the Central Electricity Authority (“CEA”). The CEA shall consist

of not more than 14 Members (including its Chairperson) of

whom not more than 8 are required to be full-time Members to

be appointed by the Central Government. It will be relevant to

refer to sub-section (5) of Section 70 of the Electricity Act,

which reads thus:

“(5) The Members of the Authority shall be appointed from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing who have knowledge of, and adequate experience and capacity in, dealing with problems relating to engineering, finance, commerce, economics or industrial matters, and at least one Member shall be appointed from each of the following categories, namely:—

(a) engineering with specialisation in design, construction, operation

92 and maintenance of generating stations;

(b) engineering with specialisation in transmission and supply of electricity;

(c) applied research in the field of electricity;

(d) applied economics, accounting, commerce or finance.”

96. It can thus clearly be seen that the Members of the CEA

are required to be persons who have adequate experience and

capacity in dealing with problems relating to engineering,

finance, commerce, economics or industrial matters. Four of the

Members are required to be from the categories as mentioned in

clauses (a) to (d). One of them has to be an engineer with

specialization in design, construction, operation and

maintenance of generating stations. One of them has to be an

engineer with specialization in transmission and supply of

electricity; one has to be a person who is expert in applied

research in the field of electricity; one of them has to be an

expert in applied economics, accounting, commerce or finance.

93

97. Section 73 of the Electricity Act deals with functions and

duties of the CEA. The CEA is required to advise the Central

Government on various matters with regard to generation,

transmission, trading, distribution and utilization of electricity.

It is also required to advise the Central Government on any

matter on which its advice is sought or make recommendation

to that Government on any matter if, in the opinion of the CEA,

the recommendation would help in improving the generation,

transmission, trading, distribution and utilization of electricity.

98. Section 76 of the Electricity Act provides for constitution of

the CERC. The CERC is a five member body which consists of a

Chairperson and three other Members, and the Chairperson of

the CEA who shall be the ex officio Member. A high-level

Selection Committee consisting of 6 high officials selects the

Members of the CERC and the learned APTEL.

99. Section 77 of the Electricity Act provides for qualifications

for appointment of Members of the CERC. Sub-section (1) of

Section 77 provides that Chairperson and the Members of the

94 CERC shall be persons having adequate knowledge of, or

experience in, or shown capacity in, dealing with, problems

relating to engineering, law, economics, commerce, finance or

management. It further requires that one person to be

appointed must be having qualifications and experience in the

field of engineering with specialization in generation,

transmission or distribution of electricity. One person to be

appointed has the qualifications and experience in the field of

finance. Clause (c) of sub-section (1) of Section 77 of the

Electricity Act requires that two persons are required to have

qualifications and experience in the field of economics,

commerce, law or management. The proviso to sub-section (1)

of the Section 77 of the Electricity Act provides that not more

than one Member shall be appointed under the same category

under clause (c).

100. Sub-section (2) of Section 77 of the Electricity Act, which

is a non-obstante clause, empowers the Central Government to

appoint any person as the Chairperson from amongst persons

95 who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief

Justice of a High Court notwithstanding anything contained in

sub-section (1). However, such appointment cannot be made

except after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

101. Section 79 of the Electricity Act deals with the functions of

the CERC. One of the functions of the CERC under clause (a) of

sub-section (1) of Section 79 is to regulate the tariff of

generating companies owned or controlled by the Central

Government. Clause (b) requires it to regulate the tariff of

generating companies other than those owned or controlled by

the Central Government specified in clause (a), if such

generating companies enter into or otherwise have a composite

scheme for generation and sale of electricity in more than one

State.

102. Similarly, Section 82 of the Electricity Act deals with

constitution of a State Commission. Section 83 of the

Electricity Act permits a Joint Commission to be constituted by

an agreement between two or more Governments of States. It

96 also permits the Central Government to constitute a Joint

Commission in respect of one or more Union Territories, and

one or more Governments of States. Under Section 84, the

persons to be appointed as the Chairperson and the Members of

the State Commission are required to have adequate knowledge

of, and have shown capacity in, dealing with problems relating

to engineering, finance, commerce, economics, law or

management. Sub-section (2) of Section 84 of the Electricity

Act permits the State Government to appoint any person as the

Chairperson from amongst persons who is, or has been, a

Judge of a High Court. However, such an appointment can be

made only after consultation with the Chief Justice of that High

Court. A high-level Selection Committee under the

Chairmanship of a person who has been a Judge of the High

Court, the Chief Secretary of the concerned State and the

Chairperson of the CEA or the Chairperson of the CERC selects

the Chairperson and the Members of the State Commission.

Analogous to Section 79, Section 86 of the Electricity Act

97 defines the functions of the State Commission. Clause (b) of

sub-section (1) of Section 86 of the Electricity Act requires the

State Commission to regulate electricity purchase and

procurement process of distribution licensees including the

price at which electricity shall be procured from the generating

companies or licensees or from other sources through

agreements for purchase of power for distribution and supply

within the State.

103. Section 110 of the Electricity Act provides for

establishment of the Appellate Tribunal. Section 111 of the

Electricity Act provides for appeal to Appellate Tribunal by any

person aggrieved by an order made by an adjudicating officer

under the said Act (except under Section 127) or an order made

by the Appropriate Commission. Section 112 deals with

composition of the Appellate Tribunal. It provides that it shall

consist of a Chairperson and three other Members. Section 113

provides for qualifications for appointment of Chairperson and

Members of Appellate Tribunal. Only a person who is, or has

98 been a Judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of a

High Court is entitled to be the Chairperson of the Appellate

Tribunal. For being a Member of the Appellate Tribunal,

following three categories have been provided for:

(i) A person is, or has been, or is qualified to be, a Judge of

a High Court; or

(ii) A person is, or has been, a Secretary for at least one

year in the Ministry or Department of the Central

Government dealing with economic affairs or matters or

infrastructure; or

(iii) A person is, or has been, a person of ability and

standing, having adequate knowledge or experience in

dealing with the matters relating to electricity

generation, transmission and distribution and

regulation or economics, commerce, law or

management.

104. It can thus be seen that the CEA, CERC and learned

APTEL are bodies consisting of experts in the field.

99 CONSIDERATIONS

105. The issues with regard to SHR and GCV have been

considered by the CERC in its order dated 15 th November 2018

in the case of GMR Warora Energy Limited v. Maharashtra

State Electricity Distribution Company Limited & Anr 8. It

will be relevant to reproduce the relevant part of the CERC’s

order dated 15th November 2018, which reads thus:

“29. The submissions regarding SHR and GCV have been considered. The APTEL in its judgement dated 12.9.2014 in Appeal No. 288 of 2013 (M/s Wardha Power Company Limited V Reliance Infrastructure Limited & anr) has ruled that compensation under Change in Law cannot be correlated with the price of coal computed from the energy charge and the technical parameters like the Heat Rate and gross GCV of coal given in the bid documents for establishing the coal requirement. The relevant observations of APTEL are extracted as under:

“26. The price bid given by the Seller for fixed and variable charges both escalable and non-escalable is based on the Appellant’s perception of risks and estimates of expenditure at the time of 8 Petition No.88/MP/2018 100 submitting the bid. The energy charge as quoted in the bid may not match with the actual energy charge corresponding to the actual landed price of fuel. The seller in its bid has also not quoted the price of coal. Therefore, it is not correct to co-relate the compensation on account of Change in Law due to change in cess/excise duty on coal, to the coal price computed from the quoted energy charges in the Financial bid and the heat rate and Gross Calorific value of Coal given in the bidding documents by the bidder for the purpose of establishing the coal requirement. The coal price so calculated will not be equal to the actual price of coal and therefore, compensation for Change in Law computed on such price of coal will not restore the economic position of the Seller to the same level as if such Change in Law has not occurred.”

30. In the light of the above observations, the technical parameters such as Heat Rate and GCV of coal as per the bidding document cannot be considered for deciding the coal requirement for the purpose of calculating the relief under Change in law. Therefore, the submissions of the Respondent, MSEDCL to consider the bid parameters are not acceptable. The Respondent has also

101 relied on MERC order with regard to GCV. As regards SHR, it was also suggested by MERC that net SHR as submitted in the bid or SHR norms specified for new thermal stations as per MYT Regulations, whichever is superior, shall be applicable. In our view, the decision in the said order has been given in the facts of the case and does not have any binding effect in case of the projects regulated by this Commission. Moreover, the SHR given in the bid are under test conditions and may vary from actual SHR. The Commission after extensive stakeholders‟ consultation has specified the SHR norms in the 2014 Tariff Regulations. Therefore, it would be appropriate to take SHR specified in the Regulations as a reference point instead of other parameters as suggested by MSEDCL.

31. In the present case, the Petitioner has considered SHR of 2355 kcal/Kwh whereas, the Respondent MSEDCL has considered the Design Heat Rate of 2211 kcal/kWh as submitted in the RFP. It is pertinent to mention that the CERC norms applicable for the period 2009-14 and 2014-19 do not provide the norms for 300 MW units, but provide for a degradation factor of 6.5% and 4.5% respectively towards Heat Rate over and above the Design Heat Rate. As the Design Heat Rate is 2211 kcal/kWh, the gross Heat Rate works out to 2355 kcal/kWh (2211 x 1.065)and 2310 kcal/kWh (2211 x 1.045) for the period 2009- 14 and 2014-19 respectively. Accordingly, we direct that the

102 SHR of 2355 kcal/kWh during the period 2009-14 and 2310 kcal/kwh during the period 2014- 19 or the actual SHR whichever is lower, shall be considered for calculating the coal consumption for the purpose of compensation under change in law. The Petitioner and the Respondent MSEDCL are directed to carry out reconciliation on account of these claims annually.

32. In case of GCV, the Respondent has submitted that it should be mid value of GCV band which should be applied on GCV measured on ‘as billed’ basis. In our view, on account of the grade slippage of the coal supplied by CIL, it would not be appropriate to consider GCV on ‘as billed’ basis. In the 2014 Tariff Regulations of the Commission, the measurement of GCV has been specified as on ‘as received’ basis. Therefore, it will be appropriate if the GCV on ‘as received’ basis is considered for computation of compensation for Change in law.”

106. The CERC has referred to the judgment of the learned

APTEL dated 12th September 2014 in Appeal No. 288 of 2013 in

the case of M/s Wardha Power Company Limited v. Reliance

Infrastructure Limited & anr. wherein the learned APTEL has

held that it is not correct to co-relate the compensation on

account of Change in Law due to change in cess/excise duty on

103 coal to the coal price computed from the quoted energy charges

in the financial bid and the heat rate and GCV of coal given in

the bidding documents by the bidder for the purpose of

establishing the coal requirement. The learned APTEL has held

that the coal price so calculated will not be equal to the actual

price of coal and therefore, compensation for Change in Law

computed on such price of coal will not restore the economic

position of the seller to the same level as if such Change in Law

had not occurred.

107. The CERC has further found that the SHR given in the bid

are under test conditions and may vary from actual SHR. The

CERC has specifically observed that after extensive

stakeholders’ consultation, the CERC has specified the SHR

norms in the 2014 Tariff Regulations. It, therefore, found that

it will be appropriate to take SHR specified in the Regulations

as a reference point instead of other parameters as suggested

by MSEDCL.

104

108. The CERC further found that the CERC norms applicable

to the period 2009-14 and 2014-19 do not provide the norms

for 300 MW units, but provide for a degradation factor of 6.5%

and 4.5% respectively towards Heat Rate over and above the

Design Heat Rate. The CERC found that since the Design Heat

Rate was 2211 kcal/kWh, the gross Heat Rate worked out to

2355 kcal/kWh (2211 x 1.065) and 2310 kcal/kWh (2211 x

1.045) for the period 2009-14 and 2014-19 respectively. The

CERC, therefore, directed that the SHR of 2355 kcal/kWh

during the period 2009-14 and 2310 kcal/kwh during the

period 2014-19 or the actual SHR, whichever is lower, shall be

considered for calculating the coal consumption for the purpose

of compensation under the Change in Law.

109. These findings of the CERC are affirmed by the learned

APTEL in its Judgment dated 16 th July 2021. The learned

APTEL observed thus:

“8.8 We are in agreement with the observations made by the CERC. Relegating the Appellant to the

105 contractual remedy under the FSA when the genesis of the Appellant’s claim is Change in Law under the PPA would not be appropriate. It is, however, made clear that if the Appellant were to receive any disincentive or compensation from the coal company on account of short supply or grade slippage, such compensation will be adjusted/credited against the Change in Law compensation payable by the Respondent, MSEDCL.”

110. The learned APTEL in its judgment dated 14 th September

2020 in Appeal No.182 of 2019 in the case of Adani Power

Maharashtra Limited (APML) v. Maharashtra State

Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (impugned in Civil

Appeal No. 684 of 2021) has referred to the order of MERC

dated 7th March 2018 in Case No.123 of 2017 (JSW Energy

Ltd. v. MSEDCL), wherein it held that Auxiliary Consumption

has to be considered as lower of actual or MYT norms for the

purpose of the Change in Law compensation. The learned

APTEL held that in view of its earlier order, the State

Commission, being MERC, ought to have followed the same

approach for SHR in the present case also. It has been found

106 that there is no reason for the MERC to apply two different

principles for Auxiliary Consumption and SHR, when both are

operational parameters and the Commission was dealing with

the same PPA in both cases.

111. The learned APTEL has also referred to the following

observations of the CERC in its order dated 16 th May 2019 in

the case of GMR Warora Energy Limited v. MSEDCL and

Anr. (Petition No.284/MP/2018):

“52. It is pertinent to mention that similar submissions of the Respondent, MSEDCL were considered by the Commission in Petition No.88/MP/2018 and it was observed by order dated 15.11.2018 that SHR given in the bid is under test conditions and may vary from actual SHR. Therefore, it would only be correct to take SHR specified in the tariff Regulations as a reference point instead of other parameters suggested by MSEDCL. It was also held that SHR as a bidding document cannot be considered for deciding the

107 coal requirement for the purpose of calculating relief under change in law…” [emphasis supplied]

112. The learned APTEL thereafter held that the SHR submitted

in the bid was not a bid parameter as per the bidding

guidelines. It concurred with the findings of the CERC that the

SHR specified in the Tariff Regulations was as a reference point.

It held that it cannot be used as the basis for computing the

coal shortfall requirement and, thereby, for computation of

Change in Law compensation to be awarded to the generating

company. It held that such linking of Change in Law

compensation to the SHR mentioned in the bid documents

would not restitute the affected party to the same economic

position as if the approved Change in Law event had not

occurred.

113. Insofar as the GCV is concerned, the CERC in the case of

GMR Warora Energy Limited (supra) has specifically rejected

the contention of the MSEDCL that the GCV should be taken at

108 the mid value of GCV band which should be applied on GCV

measured on ‘as billed’ basis. The CERC held that, on account

of the grade slippage of the coal supplied by CIL, it would not be

appropriate to consider GCV on ‘as billed’ basis. It has been

held that in the 2014 Tariff Regulations of the Commission, the

measurement of GCV has been specified as on ‘as received’

basis. Therefore, it will be appropriate if the GCV on ‘as

received’ basis is considered for computation of compensation

for the Change in Law. This finding of the CERC is affirmed by

the learned APTEL.

114. The learned APTEL in the case of Adani Power

Maharashtra Limited (APML) (supra) has also considered the

issue as to whether the reference GCV of domestic coal supplied

by CIL for computing the Change in Law compensation should

be “the middle value of GCV range of assured coal grade in

LoA/FSA/MoU”. The learned APTEL observed that it was a fact

that there is no guidance in the PPAs or in the bidding

Guidelines as to the reference GCV that should be applied in

109 case of the Change in Law claims in Case 1 bid projects where

SHR or GCV is not a bid parameter. It, however, held that the

overarching principle for Change in Law compensation was that

the generating company should not be left with in a worse

economic position. It held that the GCV ‘as received’ should be

the appropriate basis to assess the quantum of shortfall in

domestic coal and calculate the Change in Law compensation

accordingly.

115. It is also relevant to note that the Comptroller and Auditor

General of India (“C&AG” for short), in its Performance Audit

Report on “Fuel Management of Coal Based Power Stations of

NTPC Limited” submitted to MoP, had observed that the ‘quality

assessment of coal has inherent as well as manmade infirmities

due to heterogeneous nature of coal and sampling errors’. The

C&AG, therefore, recommended to the MoP that there was a

need to appropriately review the methods for energy pricing and

had requested the MoP to coordinate with CERC in light of the

audit findings. The MoP, therefore, addressed a communication

110 dated 28th June 2017 to the CEA. In the said communication,

the MoP had stated that the NTPC has highlighted the issues of

sampling error on account of change of point of sampling for

measurement of GCV from “as fired” to “as received” basis as

per the 2014 Tariff Regulations, non-homogeneous nature of

samples taken from the wagons, loss of GCV from point of “as

received” to the point of “as fired”, and difficulty with coal

sampling through ‘Augurs’. It further states that the MoP had

also sought views of the CERC on the said issue. The CERC

had, therefore, requested the MoP for consulting CEA in this

regard and accordingly the matter was referred to CEA.

116. The CEA in its communication dated 17th October 2017

stated thus:

“The issue has been examined in CEA. After preliminary discussions with NTPC on the issue on 05.09.2017, CEA has also taken views of other specialist agencies in the field of coal such as CIMFR and CPRI in the meeting held on 21.09.2017.

It is acknowledged that there is a loss of GCV from point of “as received” to the point

111 of “as fired” inside a power plant mainly due to following factors:

(i) Effect of Moisture in GCV of coal sample taken from Wagon Top

As stated by C&AG, there are sampling errors on account of heterogeneous nature of coal. This issue was deliberated in detail with CIMFR and CPRI. Both CIMFR and CPRI acknowledged the difference in wagon top-

bottom GCV due to heterogeneous nature of coal, tendency of moisture to settle at the bottom and exposure of top layer to atmosphere.

CEA is of the view that GCV measurement of wagon top coal will give comparatively higher GCV value due to steeling of moisture at the bottom of the wagon and loss of moisture from wagon top during transportation of coal, however, loss in GCV will vary as per seasonal variations.

(ii) Loss in GCV during coal storage inside power plant

CEA is of the view and also substantiated by many national

112 and international papers that there is a loss of GCV in the coal stock where coal is stored inside the power plant, mainly due to oxidation and weathering effect. Further, most of the losses in GCV during long storage of coal takes place in the initial period of storage, mostly due to loss in volatile content.

(iii) Reduction in GCV during handling inside power plant

C&AG in its Performance Audit Report has observed that GCV of coal progressively decreased from ‘as billed’ stage to ‘as fired’ stage.

It is acknowledged that there are minor unavoidable losses inside the power plant in handling the coal starting from unloading point to the point of bunkering. Loss in GCV may occur mainly due to dust suppression measures used around coal conveyors and transfer points, loss in volatile matter during crushing of the coal etc.

CEA has also examined the views taken by various state regulators for considering such loss for the purpose of tariff allowed to generators. However, as the margin would

113 vary from plant to plant, season to season and varying coal characteristics, CEA is of the opinion that a margin of 85-100 kcal/kg for a non-pit head station may be considered as a loss of GCV measured at wagon top till the point of firing of coal in boiler.”

117. Vide Corrigendum dated 18th October 2017, in the last

sentence, after the words wagon top, the words “at unloading

point” were added.

118. The aforesaid advice was given by the CEA after holding

meeting on 21st September 2017 with specialist agencies in the

field of coal such as CIMFR and CPRI. It has also examined the

views taken by various state regulators for considering such

loss for the purpose of tariff allowed to generators. While

considering at what point of time the margin may be considered

as a loss of GCV, the CEA considered the views of all the

stakeholders. It, thereafter, opined that the loss of GCV should

be measured at wagon top till the point of firing of coal in boiler.

119. As already discussed herein above, the CEA is an

independent body having Members who are experts in various

114 fields related to electricity generation, transmission, finance,

etc.

120. It could thus be seen that two expert bodies i.e. the CERC

and the learned APTEL have concurrently held, after examining

the material on record, that the factors of SHR and GCV should

be considered as per the Regulations or actuals, whichever is

lower. The CERC as well as the State Regulatory bodies, after

extensive consultation with the stakeholders, had specified the

SHR norms in respective Tariff Regulations. In addition, insofar

as GCV is concerned, the CEA has opined that the margin of

85-100 kcal/kg for a non-pit head station may be considered as

a loss of GCV measured at wagon top till the point of firing of

coal in boiler.

121. In this respect, we may refer to the following observations

of this Court in the case of Reliance Infrastructure Limited v.

State of Maharashtra and others9.

“38. MERC is an expert body which is entrusted with the duty and function to 9 (2019) 3 SCC 352

115 frame regulations, including the terms and conditions for the determination of tariff. The Court, while exercising its power of judicial review, can step in where a case of manifest unreasonableness or arbitrariness is made out. Similarly, where the delegate of the legislature has failed to follow statutory procedures or to take into account factors which it is mandated by the statute to consider or has founded its determination of tariffs on extraneous considerations, the Court in the exercise of its power of judicial review will ensure that the statute is not breached. However, it is no part of the function of the Court to substitute its own determination for a determination which was made by an expert body after due consideration of material circumstances.

39. In Assn. of Industrial Electricity Users v. State of A.P. [Assn. of Industrial Electricity Users v. State of A.P., (2002) 3 SCC 711] a three-Judge Bench of this Court dealt with the fixation of tariffs and held thus : (SCC p. 717, para 11) “11. We also agree with the High Court [S. Bharat Kumar v. State of A.P., 2000 SCC OnLine AP 565 : (2000) 6 ALD 217] that the judicial review in a matter with regard to fixation of tariff has not to be as that of an appellate authority in exercise of its jurisdiction

116 under Article 226 of the Constitution.

All that the High Court has to be satisfied with is that the Commission has followed the proper procedure and unless it can be demonstrated that its decision is on the face of it arbitrary or illegal or contrary to the Act, the court will not interfere. Fixing a tariff and providing for cross-subsidy is essentially a matter of policy and normally a court would refrain from interfering with a policy decision unless the power exercised is arbitrary or ex facie bad in law.”

122. As already discussed herein above, various expert bodies

including the CERC and the learned APTEL, after taking into

consideration various relevant factors, have decided the issue

with regard to SHR and GCV. Not only that, but another

expert body i.e. CEA has also advised that GCV value has to be

taken not only on ‘as received’ but on ‘as fired’ basis.

123. Recently, the Constitution Bench of this Court in the case

of Vivek Narayan Sharma v. Union of India10 has held that

the Courts should be slow in interfering with the decisions

10 2023 SCC OnLine SC 1

117 taken by the experts in the field and unless it is found that the

expert bodies have failed to take into consideration the

mandatory statutory provisions or the decisions taken are

based on extraneous considerations or they are ex facie

arbitrary and illegal, it will not be appropriate for this Court to

substitute its views with that of the expert bodies.

124. That leaves us with the third issue as to whether the

MERC was correct in holding that, for the purpose of Change in

Law compensation, shortfall in domestic linkage coal shall be

assessed by considering the coal supply as the maximum of (1)

actual quantum of coal offered for offtake by CIL under the

LoA/FSA and (2) the minimum assured quantum in NCDP 2013

for the respective year.

125. Undisputedly, vide the NCDP 2007, insofar as the power

utilities including IPPs/CPPs and Fertilizer Sector are

concerned, the MoC had assured 100% of the quantity as per

the normative requirement of the consumers for supply of coal,

through FSA by CIL at fixed prices to be declared/notified by

118 CIL. The units/power plants, which were yet to be

commissioned but whose coal requirements has already been

assessed and accepted by the MoC and linkage/LoA approved

as well as future commitments, were also to be covered by the

said Policy. Para 5.2 of the NCDP 2007 also provided that in

order to meet the domestic requirement of coal, CIL may have to

import coal as may be required from time to time, if feasible.

The CIL was to adjust its overall price accordingly. There was

an unequivocal assurance given that it will be the responsibility

of CIL/Coal Companies to meet full requirement of coal under

FSAs even by resorting to imports, if necessary.

126. However, in 2013, on account of the limited availability of

coal, the MoC had indicated that CIL may not be in a position to

supply more than 60 to 65% of ACQ. The Union of India,

therefore, realised that PPAs which are already concluded

between the developers and the DISCOMS as a result of

competitive bidding in the last few years based on domestic coal

linkage (LoA) may have to use imported coal to bridge the

119 shortage of domestic coal in order to fulfill their contractual

obligations.

127. The CCEA considered the issue and decided that the

higher cost of imported coal will be allowed as a pass-through.

This is evident from the communication dated 9 th May 2013

addressed by the MoP to the CERC.

128. The CERC also considered the issue. It noted that it was

the full responsibility of CIL to meet full requirement of coal

under FSAs even by resorting to import, if necessary. After

referring to the Change in Law clause, the CERC, in its advice

dated 20th May 2013, stated that for claiming any benefit under

Change in Law, the Project Developer would have to move the

appropriate Commission and the appropriate Commissions are

expected to take decisions on the merits of each case including

the claims of the Project Developers for compensation on

account of imported coal. Such decisions were required to be

taken after consultation with the stakeholders.

120

129. The Government of India through MoP, in its Press Note

dated 21st June 2013, published the decision of the CCEA

which clearly provided that the higher cost of imported coal was

to be considered for pass-through as per the modalities

suggested by CERC.

130. The MoP, thereafter, addressed a communication dated

31st July 2013 to the Secretary, CERC specifically pointing out

the decision of the CCEA to the effect that the higher cost of

imported coal was to be considered for pass-through as per the

modalities suggested by CERC. The communication states that,

as per the decision of the Government, the higher cost of

import/market based e-auction coal will have to be considered

for being made a pass-through on a case to case basis by

CERC/SERC to the extent of shortfall in the quantity indicated

in the LoA/FSA.

131. The Tariff Policy dated 28 th January 2016 issued by the

MoP in paragraph 6.1 also specifically notes this position and

states that, in case of reduced quantity of domestic coal

121 supplied by CIL vis-à-vis the assured quantity or quantity

indicated in LoA/FSA, the cost of imported/market based e-

auction coal procured for making up the shortfall shall be

considered for being made a pass-through by the Appropriate

Commission.

132. Undisputedly, in the case of Energy Watchdog (supra) as

well as in Adani Rajasthan case (supra) this Court has held

that on account of the Change in Law, the generating

companies were entitled to compensation so as to restore the

party to the same economic position as if such Change in Law

had not occurred. Had the Change in Law not occurred, the

generating companies would have been entitled to the supply as

assured by the CIL/Coal Companies under the FSA.

133. It is contended by the DISCOMS that in the case of

Energy Watchdog (supra), this Court has specifically held that

the doctrine of force majeure was not applicable if there was an

unexpected rise in the price of coal and, as such, it will not

absolve the generating companies from performing their part of

122 the contract. It is submitted that when the bidders submitted

their bids, this was a risk they knowingly took. We find the

said submission to be without substance. The generators are

not claiming compensation on the basis of rise in price of coal

or on the ground of force majeure. Their claims, in fact, are on

the basis of the Change in Law, which this Court, in the case of

Energy Watchdog (supra) as well as in Adani Rajasthan case

(supra), has upheld on the ground of Change in Law.

134. The contention of the DISCOMS that the Adani

Rajasthan case (supra) is not applicable to the facts of the

present case inasmuch as in Adani Rajasthan case (supra),

the State of Rajasthan had assured 100% coal supply and that

it was not a case of FSA, is, in our considered view, without

substance. In the present case also, the NCDP 2007 had

assured 100% fuel/coal supply of the normative value.

135. The restitutionary principle has been stated by this Court

in the case of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited

(UHBVNL) (supra) thus:

123

“10. Article 13.2 is an in-built restitutionary principle which

compensates the party affected by such change in law and which must restore, through monthly tariff payments, the affected party to the same economic position as if such change in law has not occurred. This would mean that by this clause a fiction is created, and the party has to be put in the same economic position as if such change in law has not occurred i.e. the party must be given the benefit of restitution as understood in civil law. ………….”

136. Undisputedly, the claim of APML stands on the basis of

the Change in Law. The DISCOMS, which are instrumentalities

of the State, cannot be expected to argue contrary to the stand

of the Government, which clearly provides that the generators

would be entitled to pass-through for the coal required to be

imported or purchased from the open market on the ground of

Change in Law.

137. Shri M.G. Ramachandran, learned Senior Counsel has

also made a submission that though the Change in Law event is

dated 31st July 2013, the learned APTEL has erred in giving

124 effect to the same from 1st April 2013. In this respect, it is to be

noted that the Change in Law has been made applicable to the

remaining four years of the 12th Plan for power plants. The

MERC, in the case of APML, as well as the CERC, in the case of

GMR, has given effect to the Change in Law for the last four

financial years beginning from the Financial Year 2013-2014.

The financial year begins from 1st of April of every year. Apart

from that, from the perusal of the orders passed by the learned

APTEL in both the matters, it is clear that no such challenge

was made before the learned APTEL, and, even in the present

appeals, there is ground to this effect in the Memo of Appeals.

Only oral submissions have been sought to be made in that

regard.

138. In view of the concurrent orders of the authorities with

regard to the date on which the Change in Law compensation is

to be given, we see no reason to entertain such a plea, which

does not have a foundation in the pleadings.

125

139. Another contention raised on behalf of the DISCOMS is

that if the generators are permitted to claim compensation on

the basis of actual SHR or the SHR as per the Regulations,

whichever is lower, it will permit them to take advantage of their

inefficiency. It is submitted that lesser the SHR, greater the

efficiency of the machine and, therefore, higher the generation

of electricity. Per contra, when the machine is inefficient, the

SHR is higher and the electricity generation is lower. The SHR

is not only dependent on the efficiency of the machine but on

various other factors. One of the other factors is the PLF. In

this respect, it will be relevant to refer to the statutory advice

issued by the CERC on 20th May 2013, the relevant part of

which has already been reproduced hereinabove. It clearly

states that for want of adequate coal supply by CIL/Coal

Companies, the PLF of the generating stations across the

country has been severely affected. As such, the contention in

that regard, in our considered view, is without substance.

126

140. Apart from that, it appears that various DISCOMS are

taking self-contradictory stands. In Petition No. 97 of 2017

between M/s Adani Power Limited v. Uttar Haryana Bijli

Vitran Nigam Ltd. & Anr., the DISCOMS have filed an

affidavit stating thus:

“a. While deciding the relief on account of Change in Law under Article 13 of the PPA may be pleased to consider improved efficiency parameters in line with CERC Tariff Regulations such that the impact on consumers of the Respondents in minimal in nature.

b. Any relief (if granted), may be passed after considering the following significant observations:

(i) The actual impact of the said period should be calculated on the basis of various factors namely the quantum of requirement on normative procedures such as the following:

i. Station Heat Rate shall be considered after ascertaining actual design heat rate and margin as per CERC regulations from time to time.

127 ii. Similarly, Auxiliary Consumption shall be considered as per CERC regulations.

iii. GCV of alternate coal shall be as certified by Third Party Sampling Agency for which the Hon’ble Commission should provide appropriate the guideline.

iv. The targeted PLF;

v. The accurate date of actual coal utilized by the Petitioner on a monthly and yearly basis;

vi. The quantity of coal offered by the MCL which was rejected or not taken by the Petitioner;

vii. The quantum of actual of electricity generated by the Petitioner

Thus, it is submitted that the Petitioner’s claim for relief in this regard requires to be computed in a categorical and systematic manner taking the above parameters into consideration. The Petitioner’s computation as stated in its petition is therefore liable to be rejected as it is general and vague in nature.

(ii) Further, the Petitioner has indicated the impact limited to the past period

128 only. However, the Respondents humbly request the Hon’ble Commission to only approve such claims for the past period, after considering the above along with a formula for the future period.” [emphasis supplied]

141. It can thus be seen that the DISCOM-UHBVNL has itself

stated that improved efficiency parameters in line with CERC

Tariff Regulations should be considered for deciding the relief

on account of Change in Law, such that the impact on

consumers of the respondents is minimal in nature. It has also

requested for any relief, if granted, to take into consideration

the SHR after ascertaining actual design heat rate and margin

as per CERC regulations from time to time. Similarly, it has

also requested that Auxiliary Consumption be considered as per

the CERC Regulations. Insofar as the GCV of alternate coal is

concerned, it has further stated that it has to be certified by

Third Party Sampling Agency.

129

142. It is not in dispute that the SHR is required to be audited

continuously and the GCV has to be certified by a Third Party

Sampling Agency.

143. It is further pertinent to note that the MERC itself in its

order dated 7th March 2018 in Case No.123 of 2017 (JSW v.

MSEDCL), has taken a totally contradictory stand. It will be

relevant to refer to paragraph 19.11 of the said order dated 7 th

March 2013, which reads thus:

“19.11 In view of the above, financial impact of Change in Law on the auxiliary consumption to restore the generator to the same economic position as if such Change in Law has not occurred is allowed. The Change in Law shall be applicable on auxiliary consumption of the Unit as per the Norms laid down by the Commission or actual, whichever is less since the tariff of the project is based on Competitive Bidding the auxiliary power consumption considered is not known.

However this auxiliary consumption should be at a normative value corresponding

130 to Scheduled generation only.

Moreover, this Change in Law with respect to auxiliary consumption shall not include power consumption for staff colonies of the generating station.”

[emphasis supplied]

144. It is, thus, difficult to appreciate as to how the MERC, in

one case, has taken a view that Change in Law on the Auxiliary

Consumption has to be as per the Norms laid down by the

Commission or actual, whichever is less, when it has rejected

the same in the case of APML in the order dated 7 th March

201811.

145. We may gainfully refer to the stand taken by the Union of

India in the case of Energy Watchdog (supra), which reads

thus:

“15. The learned Attorney General appearing on behalf of the Union of India, submitted before us that he was not interested in the ultimate outcome of the

11 Passed in Case Nos. 189 of 2013 and 140 of 2014 131 appeals before us. He was only appearing in order to apprise us that the electricity sector, having been privatised, has largely fulfilled the object sought to be achieved by the 2003 Act, which is that electricity generation, being delicensed, should result in production of far greater electricity than was earlier produced.

He urged us not to disturb the delicate balance sought to be achieved by the Act i.e. that producers or generators of electricity, in order that they set up power plants, be entitled to a reasonable margin of profit and a reasonable return on their capital, so that they are induced to set up more and more power plants. This must be consistent with competitiveness among them, which then translates itself into reasonable tariffs that are payable by consumers of electricity. For this purpose, he relied strongly upon Section 3 of the Electricity Act, which states that the Central Government, shall from time to time, prepare a National Electricity Policy and a tariff policy in consultation with the State Governments, and the authority for development of the power system, based on optimal utilisation of natural resources. According to him, the National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy that are issued from time

132 to time, being statutory in nature, are binding on all concerned. This is, in fact, further recognised by Section 61(i) by which the appropriate Commission, in specifying terms and conditions for determination of tariffs, shall be guided by the National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy. The Central Government's role can further be seen even in Section 63, where guidelines that are binding on all are issued by the Central Government in cases where there is a transparent process of bidding.

16. Further, according to the learned Attorney General, Section 79(4) also points in the same direction, stating that, in discharge of its functions, the Central Commission shall be guided by the National Electricity Policy, National Electricity Plan, and tariff policy published under Section 3. He also referred us to the Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs recognising the overall shortfall in manufacture of domestic coal and the new coal distribution policy issued in July 2013 pursuant to the Cabinet Committee which, according to him, are in the nature of binding directions making it clear that as generators of electricity, who depend upon

133 indigenous coal, have been given less coal than was anticipated, should be allowed either to import the coal themselves, or purchase imported coal from Coal India Ltd., with the difference in price being passed through to them. He further referred to and relied upon the revised tariff policy of 28-1-2016 for the same purpose.” [emphasis supplied]

146. The submissions made by the learned Attorney General

have to be construed in reference to the purpose for which the

Electricity Act came to be enacted. Prior to the Electricity Act

coming into effect, matters with regard to generation,

transmission, distribution and supply of electricity were

governed by three enactments, viz., the Indian Electricity Act,

1910, the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 and the Electricity

Regulatory Commission Act, 1998. The Electricity (Supply) Act,

1948 mandated the creation of a State Electricity Board.

However, it was found that over a period of time, the

performance of the said Electricity Boards had deteriorated on

account of various factors. As such, it was found necessary to

134 enact a new legislation to meet various challenges. The

statement of objects and reasons would reveal that one of the

main features for enactment of the Electricity Act was

delicensing of generation and freely permitting captive

generation. As such, the learned Attorney General, in the case

of Energy Watchdog (supra), stated that the electricity sector,

having been privatized, had largely fulfilled the object sought to

be achieved by the Electricity Act. After the enactment of the

Electricity Act, delicensed electricity generation resulted in

production of far greater electricity than was earlier produced.

The learned Attorney General had further urged the Court not

to disturb the delicate balance sought to be achieved by the

Electricity Act, i.e. that producers or generators of electricity, in

order that they set up power plants, be entitled to a reasonable

margin of profit and a reasonable return on their capital, so

that they are induced to set up more and more power plants.

147. It is further to be noted that, though it was sought to be

contended in the case of Energy Watchdog (supra) that in a

135 case under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, the Commission

was only to adopt a tariff as determined through a transparent

process of bidding, this Court rejected the said contention. It

held that, in fact, Sections 62 and 63 of the Electricity Act deal

with ‘determination’ of tariff, which is part of ‘regulating’ tariff.

It further held in a situation where the guidelines issued by the

Central Government under Section 63 cover the situation, the

Central Commission is bound by those guidelines and must

exercise its regulatory functions.

148. It would be relevant to refer to clause 4.7 of the guidelines

issued by the Union of India, which have been held to be

binding in the case of Energy Watchdog (supra), which reads

thus:

“Clause 4.7. (amended) Any change in law impacting cost or revenue from the business of selling electricity to the procurer with respect to the law applicable on the date which is 7 days before the last date for RFP bid submission shall be adjusted separately. In case of any dispute regarding the impact of

136 any change in law, the decision of the appropriate Commission shall apply.”

149. The judgment of this Court in the case of Energy

Watchdog (supra) has been approved by a three Judge Bench

of this Court in Adani Rajasthan case (supra).

150. In spite of this legal position and the stand taken by the

Union of India, the DISCOMS are taking a stand which is

contrary to the stand of the Union of India. In Energy

Watchdog (supra), it was also sought to be urged by DISCOMS

that even on account of Change in Law, adjustments would not

be permissible, which contention was outrightly rejected. We

have come across a number of matters wherein concurrent

orders passed by the Regulatory Body and the Appellate Forum

are assailed. Such a litigation would, in fact, efface the purpose

of the Electricity Act. As already discussed herein above, one of

the major reasons for the enactment of the Electricity Act was

the deterioration in performance of the State Electricity Boards. 137

151. In that view of the matter, we find that the stand taken by

the DISCOMS that, since the loss being sustained by the

generating companies is on account of non-fulfillment of

obligation by CIL/Coal Companies, they should be relegated to

the remedy available to them in law against the CIL/Coal

Companies, is totally unreasonable. The claim is based on

change of NCDP 2007 by NCDP 2013, which, undisputedly, is

covered by the term ‘Change in Law’.

152. Recently, this Court, in the case of Central Warehousing

Corporation v. Adani Ports Special Economic Zone Limited

(APSEZL) and others12, has deprecated the practice of different

instrumentalities of the State taking contradictory/different

positions/stands on the same issue.

153. In the present case, the learned APTEL has also held that

SHR and GCV has to be taken into consideration as per the

‘actual’ or the Tariff Regulations, whichever is lower and as

12 2022 SCC OnLine SC 1398

138 such, balanced the interests of generators as well as

consumers.

154. That leaves us to deal with the additional point raised in

the case of GMR (i.e. Civil Appeal No.6927 of 2021).

155. The CERC, apart from its finding on SHR and GCV, has

also directed late payment surcharge to be paid. The same has

been affirmed by the learned APTEL. The CERC as well as the

learned APTEL, on the interpretation of Articles 8.3.5 and 8.8.3

of the PPA, have concurrently found that the procurer had

delayed the payment by not making the payment within the due

date and, as such, GMR was entitled to late payment surcharge.

We find no reason to interfere with the said concurrent findings

of fact.

156. We, therefore, find no merit in the appeals. The appeals

are dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. Pending

application, if any, shall stand disposed of.

…….........................J. [B.R. GAVAI]

139 …….........................J. [VIKRAM NATH] NEW DELHI;

MARCH 03, 2023

140