The Centre for Energy Regulation (CER) at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) successfully hosted the 6th Regulatory Conclave on Energy Transition and Framework for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). Chaired by Mr. P. Ravi Kumar, I.A.S (Retd.), Chairman, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), the virtual conclave was attended by more than 250 participants from various professional backgrounds including policymakers, regulatory authorities, non-governmental organizations and officers of government and private sector.

Emphasizing the significance of the conclave’s objectives, Prof. Anoop Singh, Founder & Coordinator of the Centre for Energy Regulation and Energy Analytics Lab at the Department of Management Sciences (DoMS), stated, “The Renewable Purchase Obligation framework represents a cornerstone of India's energy transition strategy. As we navigate the complex path toward our national renewable energy targets, we must address the implementation challenges obligated entities face while creating a supportive ecosystem for compliance. This conclave brings together diverse perspectives from policy, regulatory, and industry domains to collectively strengthen the RPO mechanism, to support energy transition in the Indian power sector. Through collaborative dialogue, we aim to identify actionable solutions that balance regulatory oversight with market-based approaches to accelerate India's renewable energy adoption. We propose REC–based Unified RPO Compliance Framework and multiplier-based fungibility for RPO targets across categories of RE sources."

The discussions at the conclave focused on India's ambitious renewable energy commitments and the role of RPO framework in facilitating a seamless energy transition. The panel members discussed the challenges faced by obligated entities in fulfilling their RPO mandates, assessed the impact of emerging technologies, and explored policy interventions necessary for reinforcing the RPO framework. The deliberations revolved around regulatory and policy challenges covering RPO definition, transparency and visibility of RE generation and framework for RPO compliance, market-based solutions like Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), and the effectiveness of penalty mechanisms in ensuring RPO Compliance.

Distinguished panelists included Mr. Jeevan Kumar Jethani, Senior Director/ Scientist-F, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE); Mr. Saurabh Diddi, Director, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE); Mr. Purnendu Chaubey, Senior Vice President, ReNew; and Mr. Ashwin Gambhir, Fellow, Prayas (Energy Group).