In Short : A new draft adjustment to the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (APERC) 2023 rooftop solar regulation has been made public. In line with the state’s larger Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy, 2024, the update include provisions for Virtual and Group Net Metering, DER aggregator empowerment, a tiered application fee structure, and streamlined application procedures.
Increasing the Momentum of Rooftop Solar
The purpose of these revisions is to increase customer engagement by improving the efficiency and accessibility of rooftop solar. Energy sharing between groups or across several connections will be possible with virtual and group net metering. By handling installations, vendor empanelment, subsidy disbursement, metering, and settlement, DER aggregators will assist DISCOM operations in the interim. In exchange, they will be paid an aggregator fee.
Maintaining Regulatory Efficiency and Equity
The application procedure has been greatly expedited. Customers can now apply through the national rooftop solar platform, Mee Seva centers, or DISCOM portals. Systems under 5 kWp are exempt from fees; bigger systems pay modest fees, which can reach ₹25,000 per MW. Additionally, applications will be canceled if agreements are not submitted within four months of technical feasibility.
Impact and Significance of Clean Energy
These changes support Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy goals, which include achieving net-zero emissions by 2047 under the ICE Policy and 50% non-fossil fuel generating capacity by 2030. The modifications create the groundwork for the implementation of scalable, decentralized renewable energy by facilitating DER aggregation, streamlined workflows, and smarter net metering.
