Jharkhand Amends Rooftop Solar Regulations, Waives Fees for PM Surya Ghar Scheme Applicants

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, which came into force upon their publication in the Jharkhand Government Gazette on May 14, 2025. These Regulations, notified on April 17, 2025, amend the principal JSERC (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive System and Net/ Gross Metering) Regulations, 2015, with the stated objective of promoting the generation of renewable energy within the State of Jharkhand. The amendments introduce significant changes aimed at streamlining the application process and ensuring safety standards for grid-interactive rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, particularly for beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

One of the key provisions introduced by these amending Regulations pertains to Clause 7.1 of the principal Regulations, which governs the application process for installing grid-interactive rooftop solar PV systems. Previously, eligible consumers or third-party owners, referred to as applicants, were required to submit an application form along with specified application fees. The amended clause now provides a crucial exemption, stating that if an applicant is applying under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana through the National portal, no application fees or registration fees shall be applicable. 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 reduce the initial financial burden on individuals seeking to install rooftop solar systems under the central government scheme.

Further modifications were made to Clause 7.13, which addresses the execution of interconnection agreements for applicants under the net metering scheme. While the principal Regulations mandated the Distribution Licensee to execute the interconnection agreement within fifteen days of issuing a registration number, the amendment introduces flexibility for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana applicants. For such applicants, the interconnection agreement may not be executed by the Distribution Licensee. However, this relaxation is accompanied by a crucial proviso that mandates specific safety and operational requirements for the rooftop solar PV system. These systems must incorporate an isolation device, and consumers are required to grant access to this device to the Licensee if needed. Furthermore, the rooftop solar PV system must have a mechanism to automatically disconnect or isolate itself in the event of a power outage on the Licensee's system. All connected equipment is also required to comply with relevant International (IEEE/IEC) or Indian standards (BIS), and electrical installations must adhere to the Central Electricity Authority (Measures of Safety and Electricity Supply) Regulations, 2010.

The legislative intent behind these amendments is rooted in the broader policy rationale of accelerating renewable energy adoption in Jharkhand. By waiving application and registration fees for beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the JSERC aims to remove financial barriers that might deter potential consumers from installing rooftop solar systems. This move is expected to simplify the process and make solar energy more accessible, thereby contributing to the state's renewable energy targets. The earlier statutory framework required fees for all applicants, which these amendments now address by creating a specific exemption linked to a national promotional scheme. The introduction of mandatory safety features, such as isolation devices and automatic disconnection mechanisms, along with adherence to prescribed standards, addresses potential statutory gaps related to grid stability and consumer safety. These measures ensure that while the process is made easier, the integrity and safety of the electricity grid are not compromised, aligning with the powers conferred upon the Commission under various sections of the Electricity Act, 2003, including those related to promoting efficient use of electricity and regulating tariffs.

Keywords: Jharkhand, Electricity Regulatory Commission, JSERC, Rooftop Solar, Net Metering, Gross Metering, Renewable Energy, PM Surya Ghar, Muft Bijli Yojana, Electricity Act 2003, Regulations, Amendment Geo Tags: India, Jharkhand District: Not Applicable