Understanding the Volatility of Spot Power Prices in India
What is driving the volatility in India's spot power prices?
Business Standard
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India's spot electricity prices are experiencing significant volatility due to rising renewable energy generation, erratic weather patterns, and supply-demand mismatches. Prices have fluctuated dramatically, reaching as low as ₹0.01 per unit and spiking to ₹20 per unit, reflecting the challenges of balancing renewable output with demand.
- 01Spot electricity prices in India have seen unprecedented fluctuations due to various factors.
- 02Prices fell to ₹0.01 per unit during solar hours but spiked to ₹20 per unit during high demand.
- 03The introduction of the High Price Day-Ahead Market (HP-DAM) aims to accommodate high-cost generators.
- 04Renewable energy capacity in India has surpassed 250 Gigawatts, impacting market dynamics.
- 05Addressing volatility requires improved system flexibility and enhanced energy storage solutions.
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India's spot electricity market is currently facing extreme price volatility, driven by a combination of factors including increased renewable energy generation, erratic weather patterns, and mismatches in supply and demand. Recent data shows that Real-time Market (RTM) prices have plummeted to as low as ₹0.01 per unit during solar hours, while the High Price Day-Ahead Market (HP-DAM) has seen prices reach the ceiling of ₹20 per unit during peak demand periods. This fluctuation is attributed to low demand during the day coupled with high renewable energy generation, contrasted by increased demand in the evenings when solar generation is minimal. The average daily price for HP-DAM in April 2026 was ₹19.6 per unit, a rise from ₹15.3 per unit the previous year. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has introduced HP-DAM to allow higher-cost generators to participate when demand exceeds supply, reflecting a market design intended to manage these fluctuations. Experts warn that while this volatility is not new, its frequency has increased as renewable capacity continues to grow, now exceeding 250 GW. To mitigate these price swings, improvements in system flexibility, such as enhanced battery storage and better forecasting, are essential. As India transitions to a cleaner energy system, addressing these challenges will be crucial for stabilizing electricity prices.
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The volatility in power prices can lead to higher costs for consumers during peak demand periods, while renewable energy producers may struggle with low revenues during surplus conditions.
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