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The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission has introduced new amendments to its regulations on net metering for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This update, known as the Fourth Amendment Regulations of 2024, aims to improve the process and cost management for connecting rooftop solar systems to the grid in Gujarat.
The new regulations require distribution licensees to update the capacity of distribution transformers available for connecting rooftop solar PV systems yearly and to report this information to the Commission. For rooftop solar systems up to 6 kW, the cost of any necessary upgrades to the distribution infrastructure, such as strengthening transformers, will be covered by the annual revenue requirement of the distribution licensee. However, for systems larger than 6 kW, additional costs for system strengthening will be charged to the applicant.
For low-tension consumers installing rooftop solar systems with capacities between 6 kW and 100 kW, system strengthening charges will be based on the per kW rate for new or additional load, as approved by the Commission. If a consumer adds more capacity resulting in a total system size above 6 kW, only the additional capacity will incur system strengthening charges.
For high-tension consumers with rooftop solar systems between 6 kW and 1000 kW, system strengthening costs will be calculated based on per KVA rates for new or additional loads. If any distribution infrastructure needs upgrading, such as service line or transformer capacity, the cost will be borne by the consumer. The same per kW or per KVA rates approved by the Commission for new connections will apply to these costs.
The regulations also specify that the minimum capacity for any rooftop solar system installed should be at least 1 kW. A new time frame for processing rooftop solar PV project applications has been introduced. Applications for systems up to 10 kW, if complete, will be accepted without needing a technical feasibility study. Any necessary load enhancements will be carried out by the distribution licensee. If there are delays caused by the distribution licensee without valid reasons, they will be required to compensate the consumer at a rate of no less than 500 rupees per day for each day of delay.
The amended regulations also specify that the costs for strengthening distribution infrastructure, including transformers, will be recovered from applicants as outlined in the updated regulations. These changes are intended to streamline the process, manage costs more effectively, and ensure that rooftop solar PV systems are integrated efficiently into the state’s power grid. |
