APERC Confirms Net Metering Continuity For Older Solar Rooftop Projects
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

APERC Confirms Net Metering Continuity For Older Solar Rooftop Projects

The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) clarified net metering and billing arrangements for existing solar rooftop photovoltaic systems in the state. The clarification addresses uncertainty for projects with capacities between 500 kilowatt peak (kWp) and 1000 kWp that were commissioned before the adoption of APERC Regulation No. 4 of 2023. The Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited sought guidance on whether the new eligibility limit would apply to installations approved under earlier rules. The commission examined regulatory provisions and recent filings.

It was determined that the capacity restriction in the 2023 regulation does not affect projects that were operational prior to the regulation coming into force. The commission invoked Clause 22, which provides a grandfathering mechanism to preserve the rights and obligations that applied at the time of initial approval. Projects that were under construction with approved feasibility reports were also held to be covered by the earlier framework. Contracts will remain in force until their contractual expiry.

As a consequence, solar rooftop installations ranging from 500 kWp to 1000 kWp will continue to receive net metering or gross metering services under the terms of their original agreements and will not be required to alter metering arrangements mid-contract. The commission clarified that the 500 kWp cap will apply only to new projects seeking approval after the regulation took effect, limiting future eligibility to smaller systems.

The clarification is expected to provide meaningful regulatory and financial relief to developers and consumers who invested under the earlier policy framework, removing ambiguity over billing and eligibility. APERC has communicated its decision to the Eastern Power Distribution Company and circulated the order to the Central and Southern distribution utilities in the state to ensure implementation. Stakeholders will monitor compliance and adjustments as companies align billing with the directive in coming months.

The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) clarified net metering and billing arrangements for existing solar rooftop photovoltaic systems in the state. The clarification addresses uncertainty for projects with capacities between 500 kilowatt peak (kWp) and 1000 kWp that were commissioned before the adoption of APERC Regulation No. 4 of 2023. The Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited sought guidance on whether the new eligibility limit would apply to installations approved under earlier rules. The commission examined regulatory provisions and recent filings. It was determined that the capacity restriction in the 2023 regulation does not affect projects that were operational prior to the regulation coming into force. The commission invoked Clause 22, which provides a grandfathering mechanism to preserve the rights and obligations that applied at the time of initial approval. Projects that were under construction with approved feasibility reports were also held to be covered by the earlier framework. Contracts will remain in force until their contractual expiry. As a consequence, solar rooftop installations ranging from 500 kWp to 1000 kWp will continue to receive net metering or gross metering services under the terms of their original agreements and will not be required to alter metering arrangements mid-contract. The commission clarified that the 500 kWp cap will apply only to new projects seeking approval after the regulation took effect, limiting future eligibility to smaller systems. The clarification is expected to provide meaningful regulatory and financial relief to developers and consumers who invested under the earlier policy framework, removing ambiguity over billing and eligibility. APERC has communicated its decision to the Eastern Power Distribution Company and circulated the order to the Central and Southern distribution utilities in the state to ensure implementation. Stakeholders will monitor compliance and adjustments as companies align billing with the directive in coming months.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code