CERC mulls moderation in power trading fee to ease electricity prices

Power regulator Central Electricity Regulatory Commission is considering rationalising transaction fees on power trading exchanges, which aims to potentially lower electricity prices as the power sector gears up for market coupling. The development came as the power regulator moves ahead with market coupling, a reform expected to improve efficiency, deepen liquidity and promote price convergence across exchanges. The move could lead to a reduction in the overall cost of power for buyers over a period of time. Market coupling, approved by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission in July this year after more than two years of deliberations, is proposed to be introduced in a phased manner, beginning with the day-ahead market (DAM) from January 2026. Under the mechanism, buy and sell bids across all power exchanges will be aggregated to discover a single market-clearing price, replacing the current system of multiple prices across platforms. An official said CERC has firmed up a