The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has amended net metering regulations to accelerate rooftop solar adoption in the city. The changes streamline the application process, remove fees for small domestic installations and set strict timelines for distribution companies to provide connections. The revised regulations were issued on July 16 and replace a three-stage approval process with a two-stage procedure.

Under the new rules, the previous technical feasibility analysis, registration and connection agreement steps are consolidated so that registration, document verification, inspection and net meter installation occur in a single stage. Consumers applying for the central Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and those not availing subsidies may use online portals to submit applications. The commission has mandated that distribution companies complete technical feasibility studies within 15 days of receiving an application and that failure to meet the deadline will result in deemed approval.

The largest relief is aimed at small domestic consumers, as rooftop solar systems with a capacity of up to 10 kilowatt (kW) will no longer require a technical feasibility assessment. The rules also remove feasibility analysis and registration fees for domestic installations up to 10 kW regardless of subsidy status. The digitisation of the connection agreement replaces physical paperwork with a digitally executed agreement between the consumer and the distribution company to reduce delays.

After installation, distribution companies will verify documents, inspect and test systems, install net meters and issue registration numbers before energising connections, which is expected to speed up commissioning. The intent of the amendments is to reduce administrative barriers and encourage wider uptake of rooftop solar in Delhi by simplifying procedures and lowering upfront costs. Officials described the measures as aimed at making installations faster and more convenient for households and developers.