Jharkhand Amends Rooftop Solar Regulations to Streamline PM Surya Ghar Scheme

The Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) recently issued the JSERC (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive System and Net/Gross Metering) (Sixth Amendment) Regulations, 2025, a significant legislative instrument designed to foster the generation of renewable energy within the state. These Regulations, which came into force upon their publication in the Government of Jharkhand gazette on May 14, 2025, amend the existing JSERC (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive System and Net/ Gross Metering) Regulations, 2015, referred to as the 'Principal Regulations'. The primary impetus behind this amendment is to promote the adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems by simplifying the application process and reducing financial burdens for eligible consumers.

A key modification introduced by the Sixth Amendment Regulations pertains to Clause 7.1 of the Principal Regulations, which governs the application procedure for installing grid-interactive rooftop solar PV systems. Previously, applicants were required to submit an application form along with specified application fees. The amended clause now provides a crucial exemption, stating that the legislation provided: “...in case the applicant is applying under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana through the National portal, no fees (Application Fees and/or Registration Fees) shall be applicable.” This change aims to remove financial barriers for beneficiaries of the central government's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, thereby encouraging wider participation in the scheme. Distribution Licensees are still mandated to make all necessary forms available on their websites and local offices to ensure accessibility for all applicants.

Further procedural adjustments were made to Clause 7.13, which addresses the interconnection agreement for net metering schemes. While the Principal Regulations stipulated that Distribution Licensees must execute an interconnection agreement within fifteen days of issuing a registration number to eligible applicants, the amendment introduces a specific provision for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana applicants. For these applicants, the interconnection agreement, as provided in Annexure-V(B) of the Regulations, may not be required to be executed by the Distribution Licensee. This aims to streamline the process for those under the national scheme. Additionally, the amendment introduces a proviso mandating that all rooftop solar PV systems must incorporate an isolation device, and consumers must grant the Licensee access to this device if required. The system must also possess a mechanism for automatic disconnection or isolation in the event of a power outage on the Licensee's system. All connected equipment is required to comply with relevant international (IEEE/IEC) or Indian standards (BIS), and the installation of electrical equipment must adhere to the Central Electricity Authority (Measures of Safety and Electricity Supply) Regulations, 2010, ensuring safety and operational integrity.

The legislative intent behind these amendments is rooted in the broader policy objective of accelerating renewable energy adoption in Jharkhand. By exercising powers conferred under Sections 181(1), 61(h), and 86(1)(a), (b), and (e) of the Electricity Act, 2003, the JSERC sought to address existing statutory requirements that might have inadvertently hindered the growth of rooftop solar installations, particularly for residential consumers. The earlier legal position, which uniformly applied application and registration fees, presented a potential financial hurdle. The new Regulations specifically target this gap by waiving fees for applicants under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aligning state regulations with national initiatives to provide free electricity through solar power. Moreover, the relaxation concerning the interconnection agreement for these beneficiaries aims to simplify the procedural framework, making it easier for individuals to participate. The introduction of explicit requirements for isolation devices, automatic disconnection mechanisms, and adherence to international and Indian safety standards reflects a commitment to ensuring grid stability and consumer safety, thereby strengthening the overall statutory framework for grid-interactive rooftop solar systems in the state.

Keywords: Jharkhand, Rooftop Solar, PM Surya Ghar, Net Metering, Renewable Energy, Electricity Regulations, JSERC, Solar PV, Grid Interactive System, Fee Waiver

Geo Tags: India, Jharkhand District: Not Applicable