BESCOM Invites Bids for 500 MW Distributed Solar Project Portfolio; Bids Due August 30, 2026

The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) has officially invited bids for the selection of Solar Power Generators (SPGs) to develop a 500 MW portfolio of grid-connected distributed solar power projects. Operating under a Build, Own & Operate (BOO) model, the initiative focuses on the solarization of sub-stations across the utility’s jurisdiction in Karnataka. Bidders are required to submit their proposals through the Karnataka Public Procurement Portal (KPPP) by the primary deadline of August 30, 2026.

Scope of Work and Operational Requirements

The selected Solar Power Generators will be responsible for the comprehensive lifecycle of the project, serving as a significant escalation from previous localized pilots to a full-scale infrastructure rollout. The technical and operational scope includes:

• Comprehensive Lifecycle Tasks: Responsible for the design, survey, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar power plants.
• Long-Term Obligations: Execution of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services for the grid-connected distributed solar power plants throughout the contract period.
• Infrastructure Focus: Direct solarization of designated Sub-Stations (SS) situated within BESCOM’s jurisdiction.
• Grid Integration: Construction of associated 11kV lines specifically designed to facilitate the connection between the distributed solar plants and the local sub-stations.

The adoption of the BOO model serves as the primary risk-transfer mechanism for the utility, shifting the long-term technical and financial responsibilities of the lifecycle—including performance risks and maintenance costs—to the private developer.

Financial Specifications and Tender Values

The procurement represents a high-value solicitation within the state’s energy sector, featuring the following financial parameters:

• The estimated total project value is ₹6,637.86 Cr, according to data from the Karnataka Public Procurement Portal (KPPP).
• The project follows a standard 25-year contract model, aligning with the long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) trends established by earlier utility-scale and distributed projects in the region.
• All bid submissions must be processed via the KPPP portal, with the tender scheduled to close on August 30, 2026.

Context of Karnataka’s Solar Energy Landscape

This 500 MW tender is launched amid a robust procurement environment; as of early 2026, Karnataka maintains over 220 live solar power plant tenders across various state departments. BESCOM’s role as a major off-taker is supported by its history of managing significant solar capacity, such as the 20-MW project operated by Akhilagya Solar Energy Private Limited (ASEPL), a special purpose vehicle of the ReNew Group.

The current solicitation marks a major evolution in the state’s distributed energy strategy. It contrasts sharply with earlier initiatives like the 2015 “Surya Raitha” pilot scheme, which was limited to approximately 250 solar irrigation pump sets on a single 11kV feeder in Kanakapura Taluk. While Surya Raitha tested the feasibility of net-metering and grid-connected solar pumps, this 500 MW portfolio represents a transition to industrial-scale distributed solarization intended to harden the grid and enhance the utility’s renewable energy footprint at scale.

Submission Guidelines and Critical Deadlines

Bidders may refer to the following summary for key project details and submission requirements:

The official portal for accessing the tender documents, participating in the e-tendering process, and submitting bids for this project is the Karnataka Government e-Procurement Portal:

Official Tender Portal: https://eproc.karnataka.gov.in

According to the sources, all bid documents must be submitted through this system, and bidders are required to register their user ID and password on this site to participate.

For direct access to the specific tender notice and summaries as cited in the reports, you can also use these direct links from the integrated sources:

• InfraLens Tender Notice (BESCOM 500 MW): https://tenders.infralens.in/tender/bescom-2026-27-se0470-85066
• TenderDetail Notice: https://www.tenderdetail.com/Indian-Tenders/TenderNotice/56797157/e7643647e4fc62100b505baab6b18880

Official Government and Regulatory Sources (Hyperlinked)

• Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) The issuing authority for the 500 MW distributed solar tender. https://bescom.karnataka.gov.in
• Karnataka Government e-Procurement Portal (KPPP) The official site for downloading bid documents and electronic submission. https://eproc.karnataka.gov.in
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) The central ministry overseeing renewable energy policies and relief packages. https://mnre.gov.in
• Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) The state agency responsible for large-scale hybrid and storage tenders in Karnataka. https://kredl.karnataka.gov.in
• Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) The state regulatory body that sets tariffs and grid connectivity guidelines. https://kerc.karnataka.gov.in