Change The Rules! India's Ministry of Power Accelerated The Construction of Rooftop Photovoltaics
Publish Time: 2023-12-25 Origin: Site
India's Ministry of Power has proposed amendments to the Electricity (Consumer Rights) Rules 2023 to accelerate the installation of residential rooftop PV systems in the country.
The proposed amendments, once implemented, will direct India's state-owned Power distribution Companies (DISCOM) to speed up the application process for installation of rooftop PV systems, metering setup, and duration of feasibility studies.
Stakeholders have until January 12, 2024 to submit comments.
Publish new connections and modify existing connections
After receiving a complete and accurate application, the state-owned Power Distribution Corporation of India (DISCOM) must establish a new connection or modify an existing connection within 3 days in metropolitan areas, 7 days in other urban areas and 15 days in rural areas.
In cases where there is a need to extend distribution mains or commissioning new substations for power supply, the State-owned Distribution Corporation of India (DISCOM) must supply power in a timely manner after completing such work or within a specified period of time.
The State-owned Power Distribution Corporation of India (DISCOM) is required to provide personal power connections to owners or occupants of homes within housing associations, housing estates, residents' welfare associations or similar registered bodies upon its request. State commissions must make the relevant provisions within six months of receiving this notice.
If the registrar is supplying electricity through a single point connection, they may not charge more than the retail electricity price set by the corresponding commission for that consumer category.
In the case of a single point connection, these registrars may charge additional fees, including the cost of supplying electricity to individual consumers from a single point connection, to be determined by the relevant commission within six months of the publication of these rules.
India's state-owned Power Distribution Corporation (DISCOM) must provide a separate connection for EV charging systems when requested by individual consumers or registered authorities.