The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has allowed a net metering facility for rooftop solar systems up to 500 kW or up to the sanctioned load, whichever is lower, as long as it is within 75% of the transformer capacity.

The new order will be known as Net Metering/Bi-Directional Metering/Gross Metering/Group Net Metering/Virtual Net Metering, and connectivity concerning Solar PV Projects 2016 (as amended up to 05.05.2022).

The Commission issued an order in 2016 on net-metering, bi-directional metering, and their connectivity to solar photovoltaic projects in Odisha. This order was subsequently amended in 2018 to remove the cap of 1 MW for rooftop solar projects in the state.

Applicability of virtual net metering and group net metering framework

Under the newly incorporated clause 15 (a), the virtual net metering framework will apply to consumers under domestic and specified public purpose categories as per the OERC Distribution (Conditions of Supply) Code, 2019, and for the offices of government or local authorities.

Under the newly incorporated clause 15 (b), the capacity of the rooftop solar system to be installed under group net metering or virtual net metering framework must not be less than 5 kW and more than 500 kW.

In June 2021, the Ministry of Power issued an amendment to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) 2020 Rules relating to net metering for rooftop solar installations. The amendment permits net metering for loads up to 500 kW or up to the sanctioned load, whichever is lower.

Following the order by the Ministry of Power, the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission amended the Grid-Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Sources Regulations, 2019. As per the amendment, the capacity of the distributed renewable energy system must not exceed the approved load or contract demand of the prosumer. The maximum size of the renewable energy system set up under the net metering arrangement is 500 kW, and the minimum would be 1 kW.

Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission issued new guidelines on ‘Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems.’ RERC allowed a net metering facility for rooftop solar systems up to 500 kW or up to the sanctioned load, whichever is lower, for all categories of consumers.

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