RERC Announced Draft Grid Interactive Distributed RE Generating Systems Second Amendment Regulations 2024

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has introduced significant amendments in its Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems regulations for 2024. These changes aim to enhance the adoption and implementation of renewable energy systems across the state, ensuring more efficient and user-friendly processes for consumers and educational institutions.

One of the major amendments is in Regulation 12. The new provision specifically addresses educational institutions recognized by the Government of India or the Government of Rajasthan. These institutions, which have opted for a Net-Metering arrangement, are now allowed to switch to Net Billing for any two months within a financial year. This flexibility is designed to accommodate the operational schedules of educational institutions, which often have predetermined vacation periods where power consumption is significantly reduced. By allowing these institutions to opt for Net Billing during these low consumption periods, the RERC is providing a mechanism to balance their energy usage more effectively with their billing arrangements ​​.

Another significant amendment is in Regulation 8, which impacts the installation and technical feasibility study process for renewable energy generating systems. The revised sub-regulation 8.8 stipulates that the technical feasibility study for installing such systems must be completed within fifteen days. If the outcome is not communicated to the applicant within this period, the proposal will be considered technically feasible by default. This change aims to expedite the approval process and reduce delays that applicants previously faced.

Furthermore, applications for renewable energy generating systems up to a capacity of 10 kW, which are complete in all respects, are now deemed accepted without the need for a technical feasibility study. Any necessary enhancement of the sanctioned load will be carried out by the Distribution Licensee. This simplification is expected to encourage more consumers to adopt small-scale renewable energy systems by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring quicker installation timelines​​.

The amendment also includes changes to sub-regulation 8.12, which now requires that after the installation of a renewable energy generating system, the consumer must submit an installation certificate to the Distribution Licensee. Subsequently, the Distribution Licensee is obligated to complete the signing of the connection agreement, installation of the meter, and successful commissioning of the system within fifteen days from the date of certificate submission. The formats for the contract agreement and installation certificate will be made available on the Distribution Licensee’s web portal, making the process more transparent and accessible to consumers​​.

These amendments are part of the RERC’s ongoing efforts to align its regulations with the central government’s policies and to address practical challenges faced by consumers and institutions in the state. The changes aim to foster a more conducive environment for the adoption of renewable energy systems, streamline regulatory processes, and provide greater flexibility and support to consumers, particularly educational institutions.

By making these regulatory adjustments, the RERC is taking significant steps toward promoting sustainable energy practices and supporting the broader goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the state’s energy mix. The commission has invited comments and suggestions from interested parties on these draft regulations to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach before finalizing them​. Feedback and suggestions are invited from interested individuals on the proposed Amendment Regulations.

Please view the document below for more details.