DERC’s Guidelines Empower Renewable Energy Consumers In Delhi Through Peer-To-Peer Transactions

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has issued guidelines for peer-to-peer energy transactions, aiming to promote renewable energy use and generate additional income for consumers. These guidelines allow prosumers (consumers who also generate energy) and eligible consumers to buy and sell electricity securely and reliably. The regulations apply to prosumers and consumers with a sanctioned load of up to 200 kW, using renewable energy systems capped at 500% of their sanctioned load.

To participate in peer-to-peer transactions, prosumers and consumers must have time-of-day compliant energy meters or smart meters installed. If not already installed, they must install these meters to enable transactions. The process and charges for metering are governed by DERC regulations.

Participants must submit their energy transaction schedules at least eight-time blocks in advance, with no rescheduling allowed beyond this point. Prosumers are limited to transacting up to 20% of their installed renewable energy system’s capacity per day to prevent abuse. If no schedule is submitted, energy injected by the prosumer is adjusted according to their net metering arrangement.

Billing for peer-to-peer transactions aligns with the distribution licensee’s billing cycle. Service providers use time block-wise meter data to bill participants for actual energy generated and consumed. Payments made by consumers cover energy transacted, service provider transaction charges, and energy supplied by the distribution licensee.

Participants must settle all dues by the due date, or risk deactivation from the peer-to-peer platform. Defaulting on payment for energy supplied by the distribution licensee may result in action as per DERC regulations.

Any billing disputes are referred to the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) for resolution. The renewable energy systems involved in peer-to-peer transactions are exempt from certain charges until March 31, 2026, subject to the commission’s decision. The distribution licensee facilitates and bears the capital expenditure for network augmentation related to renewable energy systems registered under peer-to-peer transactions.

The electricity generated under these guidelines contributes towards Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance for the respective distribution licensee, if the prosumer is not obligated. The commission may relax or modify these guidelines based on its discretion or applications from interested parties.

Please view the document here for more details.