HPERC Notifies Draft Net Metering Regulation
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) on 22nd January 2015, has notified draft regulation for the Net Metering. The regulation enables the consumer of the distribution licensees to install the rooftop solar energy systems and use the generated energy for their consumption and the surplus energy can be fed to the grid.
The maximum peak capacity of the rooftop systems to be installed, shall not be more than 80% of the sanctioned contract demand. Also the Maximum capacity to be installed by any consumer shall not be more than 1 MWp.
The Net Meter as well as Solar generation Meter shall be installed and maintained at the cost of eligible consumer by the distribution licensee. The meters to be installed should adhere to the standard defined by the CERC and CEA.
The billing will be done based on the readings of the meter that is consumer will have to pay for the excess energy used by him from the distribution system.The net export of energy by the consumer over the billing period shall be paid to the consumer, byway of adjustment in the bill, at the rates defined by the commission. No deemed generation charges will be payable to the eligible consumer generating energy from rooftop Solar PV system.
The commission has proposed the Exemption from wheeling, banking and cross subsidy surcharge for the rooftop owners under net metering agreement for a period of 5 years. If the consumers is not an obligated entity, the quantum of electricity generated will qualify towards compliance of Renewable Power PurchaseObligation (RPPO) of the distribution licensee. The eligibility for participating in Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) scheme will be as per CERC REC Regulation 2010.
There have been recent surge in Solar Net-Metering regulations and policies among the northern states and HP is no exception, as the state has a solar power potential of 34 GW and is a large hub for small and medium scale industries. The larger scale industries would also benefit from this policy.
The comments and suggestions in this behalf can be submitted to the Secretary,Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, within 30 days of publication of the draft.
The Draft can be accessed here.