Petition of GERC (Net Metering Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems) Regulations installing rooftop solar PV Plants under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana – EQ

Summary:

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## 📌 Case Overview

* **Petitioners:** All four DISCOMs of Gujarat (UGVCL, MGVCL, PGVCL, DGVCL).
* **Respondents:** Torrent Power Ltd (Ahmedabad, Surat, Dahej, Dholera, MBSIR), Aspenpark Infra, Deendayal Port Authority, GIFT Power Co., Jubilant Infrastructures, MPSEZ Utilities, etc.
* **Subject:** Exemption from requirement of signing **net metering agreements** for **residential rooftop solar consumers** under the **PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana**.
* **Coram:** Members S.R. Pandey & Mehul M. Gandhi.
* **Order Date:** 02 August 2025.

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## ⚡ Petition Details

* Filed under **Sections 181 & 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003** read with GERC **Net Metering Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems Regulations, 2016**.
* Petitioners sought:

1. **Amendment** of the 2016 Regulations.
2. Exemption for residential consumers under PM Surya Ghar scheme from entering into interconnection/net metering agreements with DISCOMs.

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## 🏛️ Proceedings

* Petition was admitted and copy served to all respondents.
* **Petitioners’ Counsel (Mr. Utkarsh Singh):** confirmed service and agreed to publish public notices.
* **Torrent Power (Ms. Luna Pal):** acknowledged receipt, requested time to file reply.
* Other respondents did not appear or file submissions.

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## 📑 Commission’s Directions

1. **Public Hearing Required**: Since the matter involves amendment of existing regulations, stakeholder consultation is mandatory.
2. **Public Notice**: Petitioners to publish in **two Gujarati newspapers** and **one English newspaper** (statewide circulation).
3. **Website Disclosure**: Petition and documents to be uploaded on DISCOMs’ websites, inviting comments/objections within **30 days** on affidavit.
4. **Submission of Objections**: Stakeholders to file 5 copies + affidavit to GERC Secretary, with copy to Petitioners.
5. **Replies/Rejoinders**:

* Respondents given **3 weeks** to file replies.
* Petitioners may file rejoinder within **2 weeks** thereafter.
6. **Next Hearing**: To be scheduled separately.

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## ✅ Interim Outcome

* The Commission has **not yet decided** on the exemption request.
* Instead, it initiated a **regulatory amendment process** requiring **public consultation**.
* DISCOMs directed to ensure compliance with notice and publication requirements.

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## 👉 Key Takeaway

This petition could simplify the **rooftop solar installation process for households** under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by **removing the need for a separate net metering agreement**. However, GERC has put the matter into **public consultation** before any regulatory amendment is finalized.

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