BERC Proposes 500 kWp Rooftop Solar Net Metering Limit, 50% Tariff For Surplus Power In Bihar

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has initiated a suo-motu proceeding to invite public comments, suggestions, and objections on the draft Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (Rooftop Solar Grid Interactive Systems Based on Net and Gross Metering) (Second Amendment) Regulation, 2026. The proposed amendments aim to revise the existing regulatory framework for rooftop solar installations in Bihar, particularly regarding system capacity limits and the settlement of surplus electricity generated by consumers.

The commission has initiated the proceedings under the powers granted by the Electricity Act, 2003. The draft amendments seek to clarify the conditions under which eligible consumers can install rooftop solar systems and the arrangements applicable to electricity generated and supplied to the grid.

Under the proposed provisions, rooftop solar systems operating under net metering must have a minimum capacity of 1 kilowatt-peak (kWp). The maximum permitted capacity would be 500 kWp or the consumer’s sanctioned or contracted load, whichever is lower. This provision establishes the proposed capacity limits for consumers seeking to install rooftop solar systems under the net metering arrangement.

Consumers would also have the option to install rooftop solar systems under gross metering. Under this arrangement, the permitted capacity could extend up to the full sanctioned or contracted load of the consumer. The draft further provides that the state government may implement larger rooftop solar projects through alternative mechanisms.

Another significant proposed change concerns compensation for surplus electricity generated by rooftop solar installations. Under the revised Clause 8.1, excess electricity injected into the grid under a net metering arrangement would be eligible for compensation if it remains unadjusted at the end of the financial year.

The distribution licensee would compensate consumers for such unadjusted surplus electricity at a rate equivalent to 50% of the feed-in tariff approved by the commission for the relevant year. The proposed provision establishes a mechanism for settling surplus energy remaining after the annual adjustment period.

To facilitate public participation, BERC has made the draft regulations available on its official website. Interested stakeholders can also obtain copies free of charge from the commission’s office on any working day.

The commission has set October 28, 2026, as the deadline for submitting written comments, suggestions and objections. Submissions must be addressed to the Secretary of BERC at Vidyut Bhawan-II, J.L. Nehru Path, Bailey Road, Patna, Bihar.

Following the submission period, the Commission will conduct a public hearing on November 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Interested individuals, organisations and companies will have the opportunity to present their views and arguments, either orally or in writing, on the proposed amendments.

The feedback received during this process will form part of the regulatory consultation as BERC considers the proposed changes to Bihar’s rooftop solar net and gross metering framework.