The Manipur Electricity Regulatory Commission (MnERC) on September 16, 2026, issued the Manipur Electricity Regulatory Commission (Resource Adequacy Framework) Regulations, 2026.
These Regulations shall come into force from September 21, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Regulations establish a Resource Adequacy (RA) framework for reliable and economical planning of generation and transmission resources in Manipur. They apply to generating companies, distribution licensees, SLDC, STU, and other grid-connected entities. The framework covers demand forecasting, generation resource planning, procurement planning, and monitoring/compliance, with distribution licensees required to prepare Medium-Term (5-year) and Short-Term (1-year) Distribution Resource Adequacy Plans (MT-DRAP and ST-DRAP).
• The Regulations prescribe scientific and probabilistic methods for demand forecasting, including CAGR, trend analysis, ARIMA, AI/ML and econometric models, with forecasts to account for factors such as renewable generation, open access, EVs, demand response, storage and policy changes. Generation planning requires assessment of capacity credit, planning reserve margin and resource gaps, including specific capacity-credit methodology for renewable, hydro and thermal resources. Distribution licensees shall undertake RA planning by August 31, while the Commission is required to approve MT-DRAP/ST-DRAP by September 30. Procurement shall follow an optimal and least-cost generation mix, with preference for appropriate long- and medium-term arrangements, and annual capacity procurement plans are prescribed.
• The Regulations also establish monitoring, data-sharing and compliance requirements, including non-compliance charges for RA shortfalls. Distribution licensees shall maintain historical demand/consumer data, establish a dedicated RA planning cell within three months, and maintain a round-the-clock cell for power procurement/sale. They also provide the Commission with powers to issue directions, relax provisions, and remove difficulties.
[Notification No. - 67/01/2026-MnERC]
