New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- Renewable energy developers can now voluntarily cut tariffs after winning a tender, a move that could help clear about 40GW of unsigned power purchase agreements (PPAs) without reopening the original bids.

The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), in a communication dated 31 July, said renewable energy implementation agencies (REIAs), including the Solar Energy Corp. of India Ltd, NTPC Ltd, SJVN Ltd, and NHPC Ltd, can accept a lower tariff offered by a successful bidder, as long as the developer offers the cut on its own and is not asked or pressured to do so.

In simple terms, developers can offer a lower price after winning a tender, but REIAs and power buyers cannot negotiate for one.

The clarification co...