CEA directs utilities to source locally made equipment for government-funded projects

The CEA has directed power utilities (generation, transmission and distribution) to source locally made equipment through a competitive bidding process for government-funded projects. Further, it has stated that in case the equipment is not available locally, foreign players can participate in the tenders released by the utilities only in a consortium or JV with domestic players. However, the foreign player would be required to set up a manufacturing facility for the equipment in the country. Meanwhile, for international competitive bidding, the price quoted must be in Indian rupees so as to create a level playing field.