Maharashtra Regulator Upholds Combined Rooftop Solar Net-metering and Open Access Rights

Maharashtra Regulator Upholds Combined Rooftop Solar Net-metering and Open Access Rights

In a recent order, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has once again confirmed that consumers of electricity in the state are free to avail both rooftop solar net-metering and open access simultaneously, even if they draw power from the grid through open access while feeding solar power into the grid through rooftop installations.

The ruling emerged after a petition from Sou Sushila D. Ghodawat Charitable Trust (SSDGT), which accused Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (MSEDCL) unfairly billing them under a gross-metering method despite their having a rooftop solar net-metering setup,while also drawing some power via Short-Term Open Access (STOA).

MSEDCL had contended that the applicable regulations relating to green-energy open access in 2023 had not been appropriately implemented by the trust and, as such, the STOA issued by them was not valid. However, MERC found that the belated implementation of the regulatory regime by MSEDCL should not prejudice the legitimate rights of rooftop solar customers.

In its final order, MERC ordered MSEDCL to reissue SSDGT’s electricity bills with net-metering adjustments for the relevant period with due credits for solar generation and to reconcile the claim within 30 days from the date of the order.