The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has issued new guidelines on "Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Power Generation System". RERC allows the provision of net metering facilities for rooftop solar systems up to 500 kW or up to the approved load for all categories of consumers, whichever is lower.

In June of this year, the Ministry of Electricity (MoP) issued an amendment to the "Electricity (Consumer Rights) 2020 Rules" regarding net metering of rooftop solar installations. The amendment allows net metering of loads of up to 500 kW or up to approved loads to producers and consumers, whichever is lower.

According to the latest "Electricity (Consumer Rights) Amendment Regulations 2021", the arrangement of net metering, total metering, net billing or net power supply will be implemented in accordance with the regulations of the National Committee from time to time.

RERC earlier clarified that the net metering facilities for rooftop and small grid-connected solar systems are valid until June 30, 2021. Before passing the current order, the committee extended the net metering facility for rooftop solar projects to September 15, 2021.

After DISCOM and Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC) submitted recommendations to RERC, the decision was made to maintain regulatory certainty.

RREC recommends allowing net metering of loads up to 500 kW in all categories. At the same time, DISCOM requires total metering (net billing) arrangements for sanctioned loads above 25 kilowatts for all consumers.

DISCOM also recommends that net metering should only be allowed for loads below 10 kW, while net metering should be allowed for loads between 10-25 kW for residential consumers. Net billing is also recommended for residential consumers with rated loads up to 25 kW.

However, the committee ultimately allows net metering of loads up to 500 kilowatts or approved loads (whichever is lower).

These regulations will apply to net metering and net billing arrangements as well as grid interactive distributed renewable energy power generation systems that are connected behind meters and run in parallel with the grid. It also applies to those who have not opted for net metering or net billing arrangements.

The committee also mentioned that the rooftop and small solar grid interactive systems that were put into use before June 30, 2021 according to the net metering agreement will continue to operate under the same arrangement until the connection agreement expires.

MoP requires the State Commission to determine the capacity allowed by the net metering arrangement. Any changes in capacity limits or the insertion of new clauses in accordance with DISCOM’s requirements require the committee to solicit opinions from stakeholders on the draft regulations and consider them before finalizing them.

However, RERC decided to oppose this and passed the order with regulatory certainty in mind. The committee stated that it may take further comments on other issues raised by DISCOM later in accordance with due process.

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