Solar power rules for capital may be finalised soon

The power regulator is likely to finalise the solar power tariff rules in the next few days, paving the way for a big leap in solar power generation on roof tops in the city which is struggling to cope up with ever increasing electricity demand.

Sources in the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) said the final touches were being given to the frame work that would enable a consumer to apply for seeking permission to install a solar power unit on his rooftop.

The regulator will also set the guidelines for installing such units which may help rein in the peak demand in the city which is inching towards the 6,000 MW during summer. The net metering guidelines to be issued by the DERC will allow a consumer to generate solar power, use a part of it and sell the rest of it to the grid.

“The new tariff rates and guidelines will lay down specifics on how many days the grid owning agency or the private power distribution shall take to pay the consumer for the power he sells to the grid,” said an official.  

A power department official said the DERC (Net Metering for Renewable Energy) Regulations, 2014, is a step to create regulatory environment conducive to promote renewable energy.

The consumer will have the freedom to install the solar power unit either himself or through a third party.

The renewable energy system shall have connectivity with the power supply system of the power distribution company in the area.

“A consumer shall be allowed to inject surplus energy, if any, into the grid, and carry it forward as energy credits, which he can subsequently draw back within the financial year,” said an official.

A consumer may also get compensation for surplus energy, which he is unable to draw back from the grid within the financial year, he said.

The power department is simultaneously preparing the solar energy policy, which will lay down the monetary aspects related to the processing fee for installing a solar unit.

“A consumer, who gets permission for installing a solar power unit, will have to execute the plan within 18 months. If not he shall face action,” said an official of the power department. The solar power policy 2014 will also carry details about the 30 per cent subsidy for the cost of instalation of the solar power unit, he said.