The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has set a generic tariff of Rs 2.82 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for surplus rooftop solar power in the state. This decision follows the expiry of the MERC’s previous regulations on the determination of renewable energy tariff.
The MERC’s order takes into account the tariffs adopted by the state’s power distribution company, MSEDCL, in its recent submission. MSEDCL had proposed tariffs ranging from Rs 2.90 to Rs 3.10 per unit for procuring 7,783 MW of power. The Commission also referenced a reverse auction conducted in March 2024, where the lowest discovered tariff was Rs 2.69 per unit.
The MERC noted that the surplus rooftop solar power is generally unplanned and negligible, and is procured by the distribution licensee to meet its Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs). Therefore, the Commission deemed it fit to use the latest tariff rate discovered for grid-scale solar projects as a generic tariff for procurement of surplus energy from rooftop PV projects.
The Commission’s final ruling is that the generic tariff rate for procurement of surplus power from rooftop-PV projects under net-metering and net-billing arrangement for FY 2025-26 is Rs 2.82 per unit. This tariff rate is mandatory for distribution licensees to procure surplus power, which would be counted towards meeting their Solar RPO.
The decision aims to promote the adoption of rooftop solar power in the state and encourage consumers to install solar panels on their buildings to generate electricity for their own consumption and surplus, which will be procured by the distribution licensee.