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					</table>Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://www.jserc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JSERC</a>) has formulated regulations for group net metering and virtual net metering in the state. The rules are expected to help achieve the goals outlined in the Jharkhand State Solar Policy 2022.
Referred to as the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering) Regulations, 2024, these rules will be effective upon their publication in the Jharkhand State Government Gazette.
Applicability
The group net metering and virtual net metering frameworks are applicable to all eligible consumers. However, consumers with outstanding arrears with the distribution licensee will not be considered eligible.
The guidelines for providing land space will be governed by the provisions of JSERC (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015, subject to amendments and orders issued over time.
The distribution licensee must conduct a comprehensive technical study to assess the impact of the installed renewable energy system on the distribution system.
Applicants must submit a group net metering or virtual net metering application with a non-refundable fee for feasibility analysis.
Technical Feasibility Analysis
The distribution licensee is responsible for conducting a technical feasibility analysis based on the information provided in the application submitted by the eligible consumer.
This analysis must be completed within seven working days of the application being submitted. The distribution company (DISCOM) will grant feasibility approval to consumers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Connection Agreement
Eligible consumers and DISCOMs must finalize a technical and commercial agreement defining roles and responsibilities within 30 days of the technical feasibility analysis. Failure to do so will result in application cancellation.
The installation of the project must be completed within six months from the date of the agreement.
The DISCOM reserves the right to grant time extensions on a case-by-case basis should any delays extend beyond the stipulated six months. However, after this extended period, the agreement will be considered terminated.
Metering Arrangement
The distribution licensee is mandated to install renewable energy meters at the generation points, enabling remote meter reading as per the provisions outlined in clause A9 of JSERC (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems and Net/Gross Metering) Regulations, 2015, subject to amendments and orders issued over time.
The consumer covers the net meter cost, capturing both imported and exported electricity. The &#8220;cost&#8221; denotes the difference between removing the current meter and installing a new net meter.
Billing and Energy Accounting (Group Net Metering)
Surplus energy from the renewable energy system, exceeding consumption, is adjusted against other service connections&#8217; energy consumption based on a predefined priority list and sharing ratio.
Consumers can revise the priority list and sharing ratio at the beginning of every financial year with a two-month notice. Adjustment starts after accounting for energy at the renewable energy project&#8217;s service connection.
Electricity consumption and generation within specific time blocks (e.g., peak or off-peak hours) are reconciled in the same billing cycle. Surplus units are offset against the monthly energy consumption based on a priority list and consumer-provided ratios.
This adjustment follows the sequence of off-peak time blocks for Time of Day (ToD) consumers and normal time blocks for non-ToD consumers.
Off-peak time blocks refer to low-demand periods with lower rates for ToD consumers. Normal time blocks indicate consistent rates throughout the day for non-ToD consumers.
Excess exported units are carried forward to the next billing cycle as energy credits to offset future consumption within the settlement period. Energy units will be moderated as per the relevant rebate/surcharge percentage of the ToD tariff applicable for the relevant year.
Unadjusted electricity credits are settled at the end of each period, paid by the distribution licensee according to approved rates, and reset to zero thereafter.
Billing and Energy Accounting (Virtual Net Metering)
Energy generated from the renewable energy system is credited to monthly bills of participating connections based on the procurement ratio specified in the agreement/MoU.
Consumers can annually change their electricity credit share, subject to the procurement ratio, with a two-month notice.
If a participating consumer&#8217;s service connection is disconnected, the distribution licensee pays unadjusted units/remaining credits at a commission-approved rate by the end of the financial year.
Consumption is first compensated with renewable energy system generation in the same time blocks, with surplus credited as if occurring during off-peak hours.
Excess credited units are carried forward to the next billing period as energy credits to be adjusted against future consumption within the settlement period.
Energy units for carry forward or set-off are moderated based on relevant tariff rebates/surcharges.
Unadjusted electricity credits are settled by the distribution licensee at the end of each period, paid at commission-approved rates, resetting to zero at the beginning of the next settlement period.
Inspection
DISCOM officials have the authority to conduct routine inspections on the renewable energy system or battery energy storage system (BESS) charged through a renewable energy system throughout the agreement term. During these inspections, DISCOM officials must verify the following aspects:
<ul>
<li>Ensure that all protective equipment of the renewable energy system or BESS charged through a renewable energy system is functioning according to specifications.</li>
<li>Confirm that the renewable energy system or BESS charged through a renewable energy system, including panels and inverters, continues to comply with the requirements of Indian and IEC standards post-installation until the completion of the connection agreement.</li>
</ul>
Dispute Resolution
In case of any dispute related to billing, the resolution process shall follow the guidelines outlined in the JSERC (Guidelines for the Establishment of Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers, Electricity Ombudsman, and Consumer Advocacy) Regulations, 2020, subject to amendments from time to time.
Applicability of Other Charges
The renewable energy system commissioned under the JSERC (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems and Net/Gross Metering) Regulations, 2015, and these regulations shall be exempted from the payment of wheeling charges, banking charges, cross-subsidy charges, and any other applicable charges.
Renewable Purchase Obligation
The electricity generated will contribute towards meeting the renewable purchase obligation for the distribution licensee, provided the renewable energy generator is not an obligated entity.
Eligibility for REC Mechanism
The eligibility criteria for participation in the renewable energy certificate mechanism shall adhere to clause A13 of the JSERC (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems and Net/Gross Metering) Regulations, 2015, subject to amendments made from time to time and orders issued accordingly.
Power to Remove Difficulties/Amend
If implementing the provisions outlined in these regulations becomes difficult, the Commission can issue directions, either through general or specific orders. These directions should be in harmony with the provisions of the act and deemed necessary or expedient to address and resolve difficulties.
The Commission retains the authority to introduce changes, variations, alterations, modifications, or amendments to any provisions of these regulations. Such amendments will be carried out by following the necessary procedural steps.
Recently, JSERC <a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/daily-news-wrap-up-rajasthans-net-metering-cap-increased/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">introduced</a> new regulations to encourage the generation of electricity from renewable sources. Called the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024, these rules outline the measures for grid connection and the sale of green energy.
Jharkhand had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/jharkhand-issues-new-solar-policy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the  ‘Jharkhand Solar Policy 2022’, aiming to deploy a cumulative capacity of 4 GW in the state by 2026.
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Jharkhand Introduces Solar Group and Virtual Net Metering Framework

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					</table>The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://merc.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MERC</a>) has increased the net metering cap for rooftop solar power projects to either 5 MW or the consumer’s contract demand/ sanction load, whichever is lower. Net metering in the state was earlier capped at less than 1 MW.
The increase in the net metering cap comes across as an effort to encourage the adoption of commercial and industrial rooftop installations.
The Commission has also allowed consumers to opt for group net metering, net billing, or behind-the-meter connection.
The amendments are a part of the latest Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Generating Systems) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2023.
According to the proposed amendments, an eligible consumer is an electricity consumer within the distribution company’s (DISCOM) service area who uses or intends to use a renewable energy generation system. The system can be situated on its rooftop or another support structure on its premises. This definition encompasses consumers who collectively utilize a shared load, such as those within a housing society.
Grid Support Charges
The Commission has clarified that grid support charges will not be imposed until the total installed rooftop capacity in the state reaches 5 GW. However,  DISCOMs can approach the Commission to seek approval or clarification regarding charges associated with energy banking.
Gross Metering
Under the amended regulation, the Commission has allowed gross metering. According to the amendment, gross metering involves setting up a renewable energy generation system to sell all the electricity generated to DISCOM through a power purchase agreement.
However, if the renewable energy generation system is linked to the consumer’s side of the meter, the existing meter must be replaced with a net meter.
Under the gross metering arrangement, all the electricity recorded by the generation meter will qualify for meeting the DISCOM&#8217;s renewable purchase obligations (RPO).
Group Net Metering
The Commission has introduced group net metering through the new amendment. It involves surplus units injected into the grid from a rooftop system or any other mounting structure in the consumer’s premises that will be adjusted against the energy consumed in the monthly bill of service connections based on a priority list and sharing ratio.
The adjustment priority begins after accounting for units at the service connection where the rooftop system is located.
The consumer can revise the priority list and share ratio for surplus energy adjustment against other electricity connections at the start of every financial year, with a two-month advance notice.
The electricity consumption in any time block will first be compensated with the electricity generation in similar time blocks in the same billing cycle of the consumer where the rooftop system is located.
Surplus units are then adjusted against the energy consumed in other service connections based on the priority list and ratios provided by the consumer. If the surplus generation/ energy credits occurred during the off-peak time block for the time of day (TOD) consumers and the normal time block for non-TOD consumers. If, during a billing period, exported units exceed imported units, the surplus units are carried forward as energy credits to the next billing period.
The unadjusted net credited units of electricity at the end of each financial year will be purchased by DISCOM at the generic tariff approved by the Commission for that year within the first month of the following year. However, at the beginning of each settlement period, the injected electricity carried forward will be reset to zero.
If the accumulated credit amount keeps increasing for three consecutive financial years, 50% of that amount will be paid in cash to the consumer within 60 days at the end of the third financial year. The remaining 50% will be credited to the second electricity bill after the end of the third financial year.
If there is a delay in payment or crediting beyond 60 days, the DISCOM must pay simple interest on the outstanding amount. The interest rate is determined by the prevailing one-year Marginal Cost of Lending Rate of the State Bank of India plus 150 basis points to the eligible consumer.
Wheeling charges and losses for surplus energy wheeling to other premises under group net metering are exempted until the installed rooftop capacity in Maharashtra reaches 5 GW.
Net Billing Arrangement
The Maharashtra Commission has amended the net billing arrangement. In this setup, surplus energy injected into the grid by a rooftop system is purchased by the DISCOM. The DISCOM then raises the bills on the consumer for his consumption from the grid at the approved grid tariff after giving credit for energy injected into the grid at a pre-determined tariff.
The accounting of electricity exported and imported by the consumer will become effective from the date of connectivity of the rooftop system with the distribution network. According to the regular metering cycle, the DISCOM must undertake a meter reading of both the renewable energy generation meter and the net meter for all eligible consumers.
For each billing period, the DISCOM must furnish the eligible consumer with specific information on the electricity bill. This includes details of the renewable energy generated, with an account of opening and closing balances recorded by the renewable energy generation meter. The bill must specify the quantity of electricity units consumed by the consumer, including opening and closing balances.
Information regarding the amount of energy injected into and drawn from the grid by prosumers is also to be included. The bill should detail the renewable energy generation units the DISCOM utilizes for RPO compliance.
Last December, MERC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/maharashtra-regulator-rejects-petition-seeking-changes-to-open-access-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highlighted</a> certain crucial amendments required to rooftop solar and green energy open access regulations. The changes included leasing rooftops or premises to install a solar system and use the power through open access.
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Maharashtra Raises Net Metering Cap for Rooftop Solar Projects to 5 MW

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					</table>Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://terc.tripura.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TERC</a>) has mandated the state distribution licensees (DISCOMs) to allow net metering arrangements for eligible consumers up to 85% of the rated capacity of the distribution transformer under the new net metering guidelines.
The Commission has granted DISCOMs the authority to permit net metering connectivity beyond the threshold based on a detailed load study.
Additionally, the DISCOMs must provide annual information on transformer-level capacity available for connecting grid interactive rooftop solar systems under net metering arrangements, which will be published on its website and shared with the Commission.
The regulatory body has made a few other significant amendments to the guidelines to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems, specifically focusing on group and virtual net metering arrangements.
The amended guidelines, titled &#8220;Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering for Renewable Energy) (First Amendment) Guidelines, 2023,&#8221; came into effect on June 23, 2023.
Under the new guidelines, unadjusted net credited units of electricity limited to 25% of the total units generated during the financial year by an eligible consumer will be purchased by the DISCOMs at the approved average power purchase cost for the respective year.
However, any excess unadjusted net credited units above 25% of the total units generated during the year will be considered unwanted/inadvertent injunction and will not be eligible for payment by DISCOMs.
As per the revised guideline, renewable energy systems commissioned until March 31, 2026, under the TERC (Net Metering for Grid Interactive Rooftop Solar System) Regulations, 2016, will be exempted from payment of wheeling charges, banking charges, cross-subsidy charges, and any other charges as determined by the Commission during their useful life.
The exemption is expected to provide additional financial incentives for consumers adopting renewable energy systems.
The revised guidelines are expected to streamline the process for net metering and virtual net metering arrangements, offering consumers increased flexibility and financial benefits.
By incentivizing the installation of rooftop solar systems, Tripura aims to harness the abundant solar potential in the region and reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
To make it attractive for a group of village households to install rooftop solar, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy <a href="https://mercomindia.com/mnre-group-virtual-net-metering-rooftop-rural-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> standard operating procedures for virtual and group net-metering.
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Tripura Allows Net Metering for Consumers Up to 85% of Transformer Capacity

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					</table>The capacity of renewable systems installed under group net metering or virtual net metering should not be less than 1 kW and more than 500 kW, according to the &#8216;Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering for Renewable Energy Guidelines, 2022.
The virtual net metering guidelines issued by the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://cserc.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CSERC</a>) will apply to all residential consumers, group housing societies, and establishments of government and local authorities.
The capacity to be installed should not exceed the sanctioned load or contract demand.
The consumer will be allowed to generate energy for self-consumption and feed the excess energy into the grid, which will be adjusted under net metering.
The cumulative capacity of distributed renewable systems allowed to be interconnected within the distribution network should not exceed 100% of the respective transformer capacity.
Billing and energy accounting 
If the export of units during any billing period exceeds the import at the connection where the renewable energy system is located, the surplus units injected into the grid will be adjusted against the energy consumed in the monthly bill of the service connection. The priority sequence for adjustment will begin with the service connection where the renewable energy system is located.
According to the new guidelines, the electricity consumption in any time block will be first compensated with the electricity generation in similar time blocks in the same billing cycle of the consumer. Any surplus units injected will be adjusted against the energy consumed in the monthly bill in a sequence indicated in the priority list provided by the consumer.
If during any billing period, the export of units either in non-time-of-day (ToD) or ToD tariff exceeds the import of units by the electricity service connection, such surplus units injected by the consumer will be carried forward to the next billing period as energy credit.
The energy generated from the renewable energy system will be credited to each participating consumer&#8217;s monthly electricity bill as per the procurement ratio from the renewable energy system indicated under the agreement entered by the consumer.
Surplus credits
The consumer should have the option to change the share of the credit of electricity from the renewable energy system subject to the ratio of procurement indicated in the agreement once in the financial year with a  notice of two months.
The electricity consumption in any time block will be first compensated with the electricity generation in similar time blocks in the same billing cycle of the participating consumer. Any surplus generation in any time block in a billing cycle will be accounted for as the surplus generation during the off-peak time block.
If the units credited during any billing period of any participating consumer exceed the import, such surplus credited units will be carried forward in the next billing period as energy credits for adjustment in subsequent billing periods within the settlement period of each participating consumer.
RPO compliance 
The quantum of distributed renewable energy generation as recorded by the generation meter will be accounted for by the distribution licensee toward compliance with its renewable purchase obligation (RPO) as <a href="https://mercomindia.com/chhattisgarh-regulations-distributed-solar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stipulated</a> in the &#8216;Distributed Renewable Energy Regulations, 2019.&#8217; If the renewable energy system is set up by an obligated entity, the entire energy generated by these renewable energy systems will be accounted for RPO compliance by the obligated entity.
Other charges
The renewable energy systems set up under group net metering and virtual net metering arrangement will be exempted from wheeling, cross-subsidy, transmission and distribution, and banking charges.
Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy <a href="https://mercomindia.com/mnre-group-virtual-net-metering-rooftop-rural-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> feedback from stakeholders on its draft standard operating procedures for virtual net metering and group net metering to overcome the challenges of providing rural households with rooftop solar power.
Last August, CSERC had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/chhattisgarh-net-metering-distributed-renewable-systems-500-kw/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposed</a> amendments to the &#8216;Grid-Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Sources Regulations, 2019.&#8217; The Commission had proposed an upper cap of 500 KW for net metering arrangement.
Subscribe to Mercom&#8217;s real-time <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/mercoms-renewable-energy-regulatory-updates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulatory Updates</a> to ensure you don&#8217;t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.

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