Power Ministry Orders Unified Digital Process for Rooftop Solar

10 Oct 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Power has directed all States and Union Territories to streamline the approval process for rooftop solar systems by eliminating separate net-metering agreements and removing associated fees such as application, registration, and testing charges. The directive applies to installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGY), a flagship initiative aimed at expanding rooftop solar adoption among households across India.

Citing Sub-rule 10 of Rule 4 of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, the Ministry emphasised that any agreement between consumers and distribution licensees should be integrated within the online application form rather than issued as a standalone document. States have been instructed to implement a fully digital process that allows consumers to complete all formalities through the PMSGY portal itself, thereby reducing physical interactions with local distribution companies.

The move seeks to address one of the major deterrents to residential solar adoption—complex and time-consuming paperwork. By simplifying procedures, the government expects a faster rollout of rooftop solar systems and improved participation from urban and rural households alike.

Several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Haryana, and Puducherry, already employ digital net-metering processes that comply with this directive. So far, 17 states and Union Territories have waived related charges, reflecting growing alignment with the national policy.

The PM Surya Ghar scheme aims to equip 10 million households with rooftop solar installations, targeting a cumulative capacity of 30 GW by 2027. Nearly 2 million systems have already been commissioned, enabling households to significantly reduce or even eliminate electricity bills—while some earn credits by supplying surplus power back to the grid.

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..