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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sabarmati Riverfront Two Plots Up for Auction at Rs2.24 bn Base Price

Two commercial plots on the western bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront will be auctioned with a base price of Rs 112 crore each, equivalent to Rs 1.12 bn apiece and Rs 2.24 billion in total. The parcels are located adjacent to the Metro Rail Bridge in Ahmedabad and form the first commercial offering after a prolonged pause. The Riverfront Development Corporation has framed the sale as part of a phased commercial release to revive development along the riverfront. The combined base valuation has been set by the corporation to reflect market rates along the riverfront. The corporation has fixed a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Connect Over One Million Streetlights

Andhra Pradesh will undertake a statewide smart streetlighting programme across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), bringing around 1.05 million (mn) streetlights under an AI enabled monitoring and management system. The programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration under the state Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The project aims to convert conventional streetlighting into a digitally managed municipal service monitored and maintained remotely. The initial phase will cover abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

AMC To Procure Four Machines For Guard Rail Cleaning

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce four specialised machines for cleaning guard railings along major roads and the central verges of BRTS and Metro corridors. The civic body plans to replace manual labour with mechanised cleaning to improve maintenance of road infrastructure and greenery. The purchase is estimated at Rs 82.8 million (mn), excluding GST. The proposal sets the base price of each machine at about Rs 20.7 million (mn) so four units total Rs 82.8 million (mn) before GST. 18 per cent GST will be applicable separately. During the warranty period each machine will operate ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement