APERC Directs Discoms To Implement Monthly Settlement For Solar Rooftop Prosumers

The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC), Kurnool, has issued fresh directions to the state’s power distribution companies (DISCOMs) regarding the implementation of monthly energy settlement and billing for Solar Rooftop (SRT) prosumers. These directions are aimed at ensuring strict compliance with the APERC Grid Interactive Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic System Regulation, 2023, along with its First Amendment issued in 2025.

As per Clauses 16.1 and 16.5 of Regulation 4 of 2023, energy settlement and billing for solar rooftop prosumers are required to be carried out on a monthly basis. The regulations also clearly state that payments for excess energy exported to the electricity grid by prosumers must be credited to their accounts through electronic transfer. The objective of this framework is to provide timely billing, transparent settlement, and prompt payments to consumers who generate solar power and feed surplus electricity into the grid.

However, during the recent public hearings conducted as part of the Retail Supply Tariff (RST) filings for FY 2026-27 and subsequent years, the Commission received multiple complaints from consumers. These complaints highlighted that several DISCOMs were not following the monthly settlement process as mandated. Prosumers also reported delays or non-payment for the excess energy they had exported to the grid, leading to financial inconvenience and dissatisfaction among rooftop solar consumers.

Taking note of these concerns, APERC has now directed all DISCOMs to immediately implement monthly energy settlement and billing for all eligible SRT prosumers covered under Regulation 4 of 2023. The Commission has emphasized that this process must be carried out strictly in line with the provisions laid down in Clauses 16.1 and 16.5 of the regulations. DISCOMs have also been instructed to ensure that payments for surplus energy exported by prosumers are made only through electronic transfer to the respective consumer bank accounts, without unnecessary delays.

The Commission has further clarified that consumers who are affected by non-compliance or payment issues should approach their respective DISCOMs for grievance redressal. Such complaints must be handled as per the directions and mechanisms specified by the Commission. Through these directions, APERC aims to protect the interests of solar rooftop prosumers, improve regulatory compliance, and strengthen confidence in the state’s rooftop solar program.