+
DERC Drafts Changes to Expand Net Metering Access
ECONOMY & POLICY

DERC Drafts Changes to Expand Net Metering Access

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has released draft amendments to the Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering Guidelines, 2019, proposing a series of changes to widen access and reduce infrastructure barriers for renewable energy consumers across the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Titled the DERC (Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering for Renewable Energy) (Seventh Amendment) Guidelines, 2025, the draft has been notified under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, along with relevant DERC regulations and guidelines. The amendments will come into force from the date they are uploaded on the DERC website and will remain applicable until further revisions are issued.

One of the key proposals is the expansion of the Virtual Net Metering framework to cover all electricity consumers in Delhi, including those with single-point supply connections. This is expected to significantly broaden participation in renewable energy, particularly for consumers who are unable to install rooftop solar systems at their premises.

The draft guidelines also allow consumers participating under Virtual Net Metering arrangements to modify their electricity credit-sharing ratios or add new participating service connections up to twice in a financial year, subject to a two-month advance notice and the agreed procurement ratio.

DERC has further proposed a change in energy accounting under Virtual Net Metering, under which electricity generation credits will be treated as having occurred during the normal time block. This replaces the earlier provision that accounted for such generation during off-peak hours.

Another major amendment shifts responsibility for service line-cum-development works and network augmentation costs for Virtual and Group Net Metering projects to distribution licensees. These costs will be allowed as a pass-through in the Aggregate Revenue Requirement. However, the waiver will apply only to networks operating at 11 kV and below and will be capped at cumulative capacities of 110 MW for BRPL, 100 MW for TPDDL, 30 MW for BYPL and 10 MW for NDMC.

The draft also mandates distribution companies to submit quarterly progress reports on Net Metering, Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering projects to the Commission and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Management division of the Government of NCT of Delhi.

The draft amendment has been opened for stakeholder consultation and is expected to play a significant role in accelerating the deployment of distributed renewable energy in the capital.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has released draft amendments to the Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering Guidelines, 2019, proposing a series of changes to widen access and reduce infrastructure barriers for renewable energy consumers across the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Titled the DERC (Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering for Renewable Energy) (Seventh Amendment) Guidelines, 2025, the draft has been notified under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, along with relevant DERC regulations and guidelines. The amendments will come into force from the date they are uploaded on the DERC website and will remain applicable until further revisions are issued. One of the key proposals is the expansion of the Virtual Net Metering framework to cover all electricity consumers in Delhi, including those with single-point supply connections. This is expected to significantly broaden participation in renewable energy, particularly for consumers who are unable to install rooftop solar systems at their premises. The draft guidelines also allow consumers participating under Virtual Net Metering arrangements to modify their electricity credit-sharing ratios or add new participating service connections up to twice in a financial year, subject to a two-month advance notice and the agreed procurement ratio. DERC has further proposed a change in energy accounting under Virtual Net Metering, under which electricity generation credits will be treated as having occurred during the normal time block. This replaces the earlier provision that accounted for such generation during off-peak hours. Another major amendment shifts responsibility for service line-cum-development works and network augmentation costs for Virtual and Group Net Metering projects to distribution licensees. These costs will be allowed as a pass-through in the Aggregate Revenue Requirement. However, the waiver will apply only to networks operating at 11 kV and below and will be capped at cumulative capacities of 110 MW for BRPL, 100 MW for TPDDL, 30 MW for BYPL and 10 MW for NDMC. The draft also mandates distribution companies to submit quarterly progress reports on Net Metering, Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering projects to the Commission and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Management division of the Government of NCT of Delhi. The draft amendment has been opened for stakeholder consultation and is expected to play a significant role in accelerating the deployment of distributed renewable energy in the capital.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar Advances High Speed Rail

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR) project reached a milestone with the breakthrough of a mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. Mountain tunnel MT-six measures 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will accommodate up and down tracks. The breakthrough follows MT-five near Saphale on second January 2026 and the MT-six excavation was completed from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The ministry reported that the tunnelling was completed within 12 months. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method is favoured for its flexibility in complex geology and irregular tunnel s..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Modi Government Pushes Atmanirbhar Container Drive With BCSL MoU

The Union Government advanced a plan to create an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MoU was signed by key agencies including the Shipping Corporation of India and Container Corporation of India alongside major port authorities and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of senior ministers. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–2..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Ministry Reports Gains In Mobility For Marginalised Communities

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing skill development, education and rehabilitation schemes to promote socio-economic mobility and sustainable livelihoods for marginalised and disadvantaged communities across the country. Programmes target Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis through specialised implementing corporations and empanelled training institutes. Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana, or PM-DAKSH, provided skill training and placement support through the Nati..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Open In App