Telangana High Court Upholds TREDCO’s Solar Tender: Boost for PM Surya Ghar and PM Kisan Urja Projects

Introduction

The Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation Limited (TREDCO) is a government organisation in Telangana that actively promotes the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Telangana. Being a state’s nodal agency, TREDCO facilitates effective planning, financing and implementation of renewable energy projects such as solar, wind and electric vehicles. It is instrumental in achieving central and state plans like PM Surya Ghar and PM Kisan Urja, enabling rural masses to benefit through low-cost solar power. Lastly, it operates public tenders, facilitates decentralised energy adoption and collaborates with power utilities for implementing the state’s Clean and Green Energy Policy 2025. It acts on expert counsel and collaborates with power companies to enable the state’s green energy objectives.

After judicial scrutiny, the Telangana High Court has affirmed the validity of TREDCO’s e-tendering process for solar installations under national programmes, PM Surya Ghar and PM Kisan Urja. The judgment establishes procedural compliance and allows for project implementation across identified clusters in the State. Petitions of preferential treatment and procedural lacunae were rejected, upholding the transparency of the procurement process.

Two writ petitions were moved by the Telangana Solar Energy Association and four other parties, questioning the impartiality of the e-tender process undertaken by the Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation (TREDCO). The petitioners argued that the terms of the tender were biased in favour of major bidders, thus restricting equitable competition.

They were particular about the placement of several locations in four big clusters mooted for solar energy plants, contending that it prejudiced smaller entrants. They also alleged that their offers had been dismissed without being offered a chance to articulate their side of the issue, something they perceived as a procedural unfairness. The petitions also quoted a breach of constitutional rights, especially the right to fair treatment in public procurement.

Yet, Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka rejected the petitions on the grounds of a lack of evidence of irregularity. The court relied on the public prosecutor’s submission that cluster design was done on the advice of experts and that it was vetted by a committee of members from Southern Power Distribution and other power utilities.

The decision is consonant with the wider judicial endorsement for organised e-procurement in infrastructure and supports the function of expert-headed tender committees in maintaining transparency and sectoral adherence.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants are:

1. Registered solar EPC contractors with experience in grid-connected or decentralised solar schemes.

2. MSMEs and local suppliers fulfilling the technical and financial requirements specified in the tender document.

3. Valid joint bidding consortia, as long as they fulfil minimum capacity and implementation standards.

Applicants must demonstrate clear adherence to the guidelines set by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), ensuring their proposals align with national standards for solar energy development. They should also show the capability to carry out installations within the designated cluster model proposed by TREDCO, which requires operational readiness and logistical planning across grouped locations. In addition, bidders are expected to provide evidence of sound financial health and relevant technical expertise, as outlined in TREDCO’s eligibility matrix. These criteria help ensure that only qualified and reliable entities are selected to deliver the projects effectively and sustainably.

How to Apply?

Applications have to be filed through the TREDCO official e-tender portal, in the following steps:

1. They need to register a bidder profile and authenticate credentials.

2. They have to upload eligibility documents, technical details, and accounts.

3. Need to suggest preferred clusters according to capacity and operating readiness.

4. Need to upload commercial and technical offers before the deadline.

5. They must participate in pre-bid meetings and answer any questions raised by the tender committee.

Candidates are requested to go through the Tender Reference No. TREDCO/PM-Solar/2025 and strictly follow submission deadlines and procedural guidelines.

Conclusion

With the Telangana High Court giving its judicial clearance, solar power projects under the PM Surya Ghar and PM Kisan Urja schemes now stand to move ahead as scheduled. This is a major milestone in the renewable energy policy of the state that will facilitate decentralised solar adoption in rural and peri-urban areas. Through the use of installations in a cluster-based system, the project will boost grid efficiency and maximise land usage. 

FAQs

1. What is the Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation (TREDCO)?

TREDCO is a government agency in Telangana which advocates for clean energy options like solar, wind, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It endeavours to increase energy efficiency and availability throughout the state. As the nodal agency, it also facilitates national schemes and advances local development by promoting the utilisation of renewable energy in domestic, agricultural, and public spaces. Its effort directly supports Telangana’s long-term green energy strategy.

2. Why did TREDCO’s solar tender go to court?

The tender was challenged by five parties, including the Telangana Solar Energy Association. They claimed that the tender rules were unfair and favoured large companies, making it difficult for smaller firms to compete. They also raised concerns about how the project areas were grouped and said their bids were rejected without a fair hearing. These issues were brought before the High Court to seek a review of the process.

3. What did the Telangana High Court rule?

The High Court rejected the petitions, declaring that there was no sufficient evidence to establish any wrongdoing in the tendering process. The judge affirmed that the tender process was according to procedures and in accordance with expert advice. This ruling permits the solar projects to proceed without interruption and endorses the efforts of the government to increase renewable energy throughout the state.

4. What are the PM Surya Ghar and PM Kisan Urja schemes?

They are national plans initiated to encourage the utilisation of solar power. PM Surya Ghar targets the installation of solar panels on residential rooftops, which helps householders save on electricity bills. PM Kisan Urja helps farmers through the provision of solar energy for farm use, i.e., water pumps and lights. Both schemes strive to make renewable energy economical and accessible to everyone, particularly in rural areas.

5. Who is eligible to apply for TREDCO’s solar tenders?

Eligible applicants are solar system installing companies (EPC contractors), small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and consortia—associations of companies operating in collaboration. Applicants have to satisfy some technical and financial parameters, like possessing experience in similar projects and having the capability to carry out installations in the suggested clusters. Satisfaction of such parameters ensures that only qualified and proficient bidders participate.

6. How do I apply for the solar tender?

Applications should be made through TREDCO’s official e-tender portal. Companies first need to register and establish a bidder profile. Subsequently, they have to upload documents that demonstrate their qualifications, technical proposals, and financial statements. Next, they select the project clusters they wish to undertake and place their bids within the stipulated time. It’s also crucial to go for pre-bid meetings and answer any questions from the tender committee. At all times, following all steps with utmost care increases the likelihood of a successful bid.

7. What cluster model does this tender employ?

The cluster scheme consolidates a number of adjacent sites into one project zone. It is easier to handle installations, exchange resources, and access the power grid. It decreases expenses and enhances land use planning. The clusters were planned after consulting experts and vetting by power utility officials to ensure they were feasible and effective.

8. How does this court decision assist Telangana’s energy proposals?

The verdict facilitates the advancement of solar projects without delays due to the law, with more individuals in rural and semi-urban localities getting clean energy. It facilitates the state’s Clean and Green Energy Policy 2025, which will promote the utilisation of renewable energy and decrease fossil fuel reliance. The projects will also produce employment, enhance energy reliability, and impact a cleaner environment.

9. What is Tender Reference No. TREDCO/PM-Solar/2025?

This is the official reference number for the current solar energy tender issued by TREDCO. It contains all the important details about who can apply, what documents are needed, the technical requirements, and the deadlines for submission. Bidders should read this document carefully to understand the full scope of the tender and ensure they meet all conditions.

10. Who checks the tender process to make sure it’s fair?

The tender process is reviewed by a committee consisting of officials and experts from the power corporations. They check the project design, qualification of the bidders, and the overall fairness. They are responsible for ensuring that the tender process is as per the government regulations and that everyone who applies is treated with equal consideration. This ensures transparency and trust in public procurement.