A petition has been filed with the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) that could bring an important change for residential consumers interested in rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The filing has been made by Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL) and seeks to amend or relax the state’s Net Metering Regulations of 2016. The main issue being addressed is the current requirement for consumers to sign an interconnection or net metering agreement with their distribution company before setting up rooftop solar panels.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which was launched on February 13, 2024, is a flagship scheme aimed at empowering citizens with solar power and providing them with financial relief. Under this scheme, one crore households across the country will be given up to 300 units of free electricity every month. The central government has directed that this scheme be implemented quickly so that the target is achieved by fiscal year 2026-27.
However, in Gujarat, the requirement of signing an agreement is creating hurdles for smooth and fast adoption. According to the petition, since the consumer does not make any financial commitment in this scheme, the need for a formal agreement should be eliminated. Instead, the application form submitted by the consumer should itself be considered a valid agreement. The move would greatly simplify the process and reduce delays in the installation and commissioning of rooftop solar systems.
The petition highlights that GERC already has the power to amend or relax its regulations if it serves the public good or helps remove difficulties. It refers to a letter issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on December 30, 2024, which had also emphasized the need to simplify the net metering process. The letter recommended eliminating the agreement requirement as well as removing any additional charges that act as barriers to adoption. This support from the ministry adds weight to the proposal and aligns with the central government’s larger goal of accelerating renewable energy adoption.
The petition also mentions that removing the need for a separate agreement will not only speed up the implementation of the scheme but also directly contribute to empowering citizens with free electricity. Faster adoption will help the state move towards clean energy targets while reducing dependency on conventional power. With solar panels on rooftops, households will have the chance to generate their own power, making energy use more sustainable and cost-effective.
Several distribution companies have been listed as parties in this petition, including the four main Gujarat discoms and entities under Torrent Power. This shows that the proposed change, if accepted, will have a widespread impact on how rooftop solar is implemented across the state. The GERC’s decision on this matter will be crucial as it could set an example for other states. If the proposal is accepted, it may encourage other regulators in India to consider similar changes that make rooftop solar adoption easier for the public. This could ultimately accelerate the success of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana nationwide.
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