Empowering Renewable Energy: Streamlining Regulations For Solar Growth In Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) issued the Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems (DREGS) Regulations in 2021 to facilitate the development and installation of distributed renewable energy systems. These regulations were designed to streamline the process of setting up such systems, ensuring adherence to specified timelines and procedures. The regulations were further amended on August 28, 2023, to address emerging needs and challenges.

The RERC DREGS Regulations, 2021, detail the application procedure for setting up grid-interactive distributed renewable energy systems. According to these regulations, the technical feasibility for the installation of any renewable energy generating system, regardless of its capacity, must be assessed and communicated within 30 days if found satisfactory. Once the system is installed, the distribution licensee is required to complete the signing of the connection agreement, install the meter, and successfully commission the system within 30 days from the submission of the installation certificate.

The Central Government, under its powers conferred by the Electricity Act, 2003, notified the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules in 2020. These rules outline the rights of consumers, including those acting as prosumers, who generate their own electricity through systems like rooftop solar PV. The rules include a specific procedure for setting up grid-interactive rooftop solar PV systems. Several amendments to these rules have been issued over the years, with the most recent amendment on February 22, 2024.

The amendments to Rule 11 of the Principal Rules provide updated procedures and guidelines to facilitate the installation of rooftop solar systems. The RERC DREGS Regulations, 2021, through Regulation 19, empower the Commission to issue directions and remove any difficulties encountered in the implementation of these regulations.

The Central Government has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. As part of the National Solar Mission, an initial target of installing 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022 was established, with 40 GW expected to come from rooftop solar installations in two phases. To meet this target, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the Phase-II timeline to March 2026. Additionally, the government launched the PM-Surya Ghar Yojana, aiming to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households across the country, potentially adding 30 GW of solar capacity in the residential sector.

Despite Rajasthan having the highest solar potential in the country, estimated at 142 GW, only about 15% of this potential has been harnessed. The installed capacity of rooftop solar plants in the state is approximately 1 GW, compared to the total national capacity of 11 GW. The RERC recognizes that the spirit behind the Central Government’s rules and the Commission’s regulations aligns with promoting environmentally friendly policies as outlined in the Electricity Act, 2003.

To expedite the deployment of grid-interactive rooftop solar PV systems in Rajasthan, the Commission has decided that the provisions related to the application procedure, including timelines and technical feasibility, will be governed by the Central Government’s Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, as amended. This alignment with the Central Government’s rules aims to ensure a consistent and efficient approach to renewable energy development in the state.

The RERC’s regulations and subsequent amendments reflect a commitment to facilitating the growth of renewable energy in Rajasthan. By streamlining procedures and aligning with national policies, the Commission aims to harness the state’s vast solar potential, contributing to both state and national renewable energy targets. This initiative underscores the importance of regulatory frameworks in promoting sustainable energy solutions and ensuring a reliable and environmentally friendly power supply for the future.

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