HPERC Simplifies Rooftop Solar Approvals Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme in Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has finalized the Fourth Amendment to the Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive System Regulations, 2015, aimed at simplifying the process for consumers installing rooftop solar systems in the state. The amendment was approved through an order issued on August 19, 2026, by HPERC Chairman Sh. Shashi Kant Joshi.

The key change removes the requirement for consumers to execute a separate Net Metering Agreement with the local distribution licensee before installing a rooftop solar system. Instead, HPERC has approved a Digital Solar Metering Connection Agreement that is incorporated into the online application forms available through Central and State government portals.

Under the revised process, consumers can apply for rooftop solar installation and grid connectivity through the online application formats provided by government agencies. The move is expected to reduce paperwork, minimize procedural delays, and make rooftop solar adoption more convenient for households.

The regulatory change is closely linked to the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, approved by the Government of India on February 29, 2024. The scheme seeks to encourage residential households to install rooftop solar systems, generate clean electricity, and reduce their dependence on conventional power.

HPERC initiated the amendment process on July 14, 2026, by issuing draft regulations. The draft was published in the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh, on July 15. Public notices were subsequently published in The Tribune and Divya Himachal on July 21, inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders until August 17.

Several organizations and stakeholders, including HIMURJA, the Directorate of Energy, industry associations, consumer representatives and Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL), were invited to provide their views on the proposed changes.

A public hearing was held by the Commission on August 18, 2026, with representatives of HPSEBL in attendance. No objections, written comments, or verbal suggestions were received from stakeholders during the consultation process.

Following the hearing, HPERC approved the Fourth Amendment Regulations without any changes to the draft. The amended regulations will now be formally notified in the state gazette and will take effect after notification.

The amendment is expected to support faster implementation of rooftop solar projects across Himachal Pradesh while reducing administrative requirements for consumers seeking to participate in government-backed renewable energy programmes.