IEX (Indian Energy Exchange) Share Price

Indian Energy Exchange Limited

Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX) is the first and largest power exchange in India, offering a transparent, efficient, and automated trading platform for the physical delivery of electricity. Since its inception, IEX has maintained a commanding market share of over 98% of traded volume in the power exchange market. With over 6,300 registered participants, IEX serves a diverse set of stakeholders, including power generators, distribution companies, open access consumers, and traders. The exchange provides a platform for trading electricity contracts, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), and Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), catering to the growing energy demands of the country.

By enabling efficient price discovery and trade execution, IEX has not only transformed the power market in India but also enhanced accessibility, transparency, and the speed at which trades are executed. Approved and regulated by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), IEX has been operational since June 27, 2008, and continues to thrive as a key player in India’s power sector.

Beginnings and Early Milestones

Indian Energy Exchange Limited was incorporated as a public limited company on March 26, 2007, in Maharashtra, and obtained its certificate of commencement of business on April 17, 2007. The exchange officially began trading in the Day-Ahead Market (DAM) in 2009, marking a significant milestone in India’s power trading landscape. The DAM became the predominant segment of trading on the platform, and it continues to constitute the majority of energy contracts traded on the exchange.

In 2010, IEX registered its first industrial consumer. This marked a shift from merely facilitating trade for power generators and distribution companies to serving large industrial consumers who require direct access to competitive power pricing. During the same year, IEX launched the Term-Ahead Market (TAM), providing participants with the ability to trade electricity contracts for delivery over different time periods, from the same day to up to 11 days in advance.

The early years also saw IEX achieve significant trading volumes. By 2010, the average monthly cleared volume on the exchange had crossed 500 million units (MU) of electricity, signifying the growing trust and reliance on IEX as a robust platform for trading power.

Expansion into New Markets and Products

IEX continued to innovate and expand its offerings to cater to the evolving needs of the energy market. In 2011, the exchange commenced trading in Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), enabling entities to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) by purchasing RECs. This was a crucial step in supporting India’s renewable energy goals, as it allowed for the trading of green energy attributes separately from the physical delivery of electricity.

The exchange’s growth in terms of volume continued to surge. In 2014, the daily average cleared volume on the exchange reached 79 MU per day, and the highest cleared volume in a single day crossed 117 MUs. This growth trajectory remained strong, with the highest cleared volume in a day surpassing 131 MUs in 2015 and 136 MUs in 2016.

During this period, IEX also received recognition for its operational excellence. In August 2016, the exchange was awarded three ISO certifications: ISO 9001:2008 for quality management, ISO 27001:2013 for information security management, and ISO 14001:2004 for environmental management. These certifications underscored IEX’s commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, security, and environmental responsibility.

Initial Public Offering and Strategic Partnerships

In October 2017, IEX took a significant step by launching its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The offer, held from October 9 to October 11, 2017, comprised the sale of 60.65 lakh shares by selling shareholders, with no fresh issue of shares from the company. The stock made its debut on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on October 23, 2017, at a price of Rs. 1,500 per share, which was a 9.09% discount compared to the IPO price of Rs. 1,650 per share.

Around the same time, IEX began exploring international collaborations. On March 28, 2018, IEX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX). This partnership aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation in the electricity market, focusing on sharing technological expertise and developing new energy market products. The collaboration also included knowledge-sharing programs to enhance electricity trading in competitive market platforms.

Technological Innovation and New Services

As a leading power exchange, IEX has continually leveraged technology to improve its services and expand its product offerings. In 2017, IEX introduced the trading of Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), which are issued to entities that achieve energy savings beyond their mandated targets. This marked another milestone in the exchange’s efforts to promote energy efficiency and sustainable practices.

In 2020, IEX launched the Real-Time Market (RTM), a high-tech solution that allows market participants to balance their power demand-supply portfolios in real-time. The RTM requires advanced technological infrastructure to ensure seamless trade execution and settlement. The RTM allows participants to trade electricity as close as 30 minutes before physical delivery, providing unparalleled flexibility for managing power needs.

In addition to the RTM, IEX introduced several new market segments, including the Green Term-Ahead Market (GTAM) in August 2020 and the Green Day-Ahead Market (GDAM) in October 2021. These platforms allow participants to trade in renewable energy contracts, further supporting India’s transition to a greener power system.

Cross-Border Trade and International Expansion

IEX’s ambition to become a regional power exchange materialised in April 2021 when it commenced cross-border electricity trade with neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. This initiative aimed to foster regional cooperation in the power sector and build a regional power market in South Asia.

The cross-border trade platform enables participants from these countries to trade electricity efficiently, thereby contributing to the stability and reliability of the power grid in the region. This development also positions IEX as a key player in the broader South Asian energy market, with the potential for further expansion into other neighbouring countries.

Recent Developments and Future Growth

In 2022, IEX continued to expand its offerings and technological capabilities. It launched the Tertiary Reserve Ancillary Services (TRAS) Market Segment, which commenced on June 1, 2023. This market segment facilitates the trade of ancillary services, such as Day-Ahead Market Ancillary Services and Real-Time Market Ancillary Services, which are crucial for maintaining grid stability and reliability.

Additionally, IEX has launched several new contract types to meet the changing needs of the market. These include Green Monthly Contracts, Green Hydro Contracts, and Long-Duration Contracts. These offerings allow participants to hedge against price volatility and ensure a steady supply of green energy.

In FY2022, IEX’s subsidiary, Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), was made an associate company after the sale of a 4.93% stake to Indian Oil Corporation Limited. IGX, which was launched in FY2020, provides a platform for trading natural gas and has become an essential part of India’s energy infrastructure. In December 2022, IGX launched the Gas Index of India (GIXI), providing a benchmark for gas prices in the country.

IEX is also at the forefront of introducing innovative trading solutions. In 2023, it launched PowerX, India’s first electricity price index, which serves as a competitive benchmark for market participants. PowerX enables businesses to make more informed decisions based on real-time electricity price signals.

Outlook Overview

Indian Energy Exchange Limited has consistently played a critical role in transforming India’s power market. By offering a transparent, efficient, and accessible platform for trading electricity and related products, IEX has empowered stakeholders across the energy sector to manage their power needs more effectively.

From its early beginnings in 2007 to its current leadership position, IEX has remained committed to innovation, sustainability, and growth. With a diverse set of offerings, a robust technological infrastructure, and a growing international presence, IEX is well-positioned to shape the future of power trading, not only in India but across the broader South Asian region.

As the global energy market continues to evolve, IEX's efforts to expand into new markets, focus on green energy, and enhance its technological capabilities will ensure that it remains a pivotal player in India's energy landscape for years to come.