CERC proposes letting pumped storage plants sell in the High-Price Day-Ahead Market
Comments due: 18 November 2026
CERC has opened suo motu proceedings on adding pumped storage plants to the generators allowed to sell in the High-Price Day-Ahead Market (HP-DAM) on the power exchanges. It has invited written views and will hold an online hearing on 19 November 2026.
Why it matters. Access to higher HP-DAM prices could improve revenue for pumped storage plants, a fast-growing source of grid flexibility.
What changes
- Pumped storage plants would join the categories eligible to sell in HP-DAM.
- HP-DAM is currently open only to gas stations running on imported RLNG or naphtha, stations running only on imported coal, and battery storage.
- CERC's preliminary view is that the regular day-ahead market alone may not give pumped storage enough commercial opportunity.
- The proceedings follow a Ministry of Power letter of July 2026 asking CERC to consider the change.
- Written submissions by 18 November 2026, with participants registered on the SAUDAMINI portal; hearing by video conference on 19 November 2026.
Who is affected
Pumped storage developers and owners · Power exchanges · Discoms and other buyers · Grid operators
Sources
- CERC order, 28 Oct 2026OFFICIAL
- CERC public notice, 28 Oct 2026OFFICIAL
- Power Peak Digest, 29 Oct 2026
Get the Monday brief. Email hemantmittaljjn@gmail.com with "Subscribe" in the subject. All updates