RERC raised the Net Metering capacity from 500 KW to 1 MW in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) via its suo moto order dated 07.02.2024 increase the net metering capacity in Rajasthan from 500 KW to 1MW. The order mentions

“To encourage higher penetration of RTS, the Commission decides to increase the capacity limit of net- metering arrangement from 500 Kw to one Mega-watt (01 MW) “.

The Rajasthan Government has also set a target of 90 GW Renewable Energy by 2030 vide its RE Policy 2023. The RE Policy 2023 of Rajasthan also aims for promotion of Rooftop Solar Projects through Net Metering and Gross Metering mechanism or in any other manner as per the provisions of Electricity Act, 2003 . Rajasthan has the highest potential of 142 GW of solar capacity in the Country and approx. 25% of country’s total solar capacity of 73 GW is installed in Rajasthan. However , the installed capacity of Rooftop Solar plants in Rajasthan is only 1 GW out of total installed capacity of 11 GW in the country. The Total penetration of Rooftop Solar in Rajasthan in total energy basket of Discoms is not even 2%. In view of this, it can be said that higher penetration of Roof Top Solar is the need of the hour. The Govt of India is also promoting rooftop solar rooftops through recently launched PM Suryodaya Yojana.

The order also mentions that

The Discoms, time to time have requested for imposition of restrictions of drawl of banked solar units during peak hours, imposition of certain charges in accordance with applicable Regulations and mandate compulsory storage system for Roof-Top power plants. However looking to the present level of penetration of RTS, it would not be appropriate to impose such restrictions, charges or conditions as of now. The Commission in future may consider to suitably introduce these measures. 

In view of above, the Commission under its power conferred under regulation 19 of the RERC DREGS Regulation 2021 “Power to give directions”, orders that henceforth net metering arrangement shall be applicable for loads upto one megawatt (01 MW) or upto the sanctioned load/contract demand, whichever is lower, for all categories of the consumers.