WHILE welcoming the recent developments and changes brought in by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) in the new roof top solar policy,entrepreneurs of the region on Saturday termed it as a ‘Diwali gift’ forthe industry.They also said that the new changes would motivate many entrepreneurs to opt solar rooftop power. However, the entrepreneurs and representatives have also decided to file petitions before the MERC seeking more changes inthepolicy.Ina seminar held under the banner of Energy Forum of Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA), the participants felt that there is a need for virtual net metering.

 

The VIA Executive Committee approved the suggestion to file the petition before MERC. RB Goenka,Vice President of VIA,said the entrepreneurs were expecting a virtual net metering system inthe new policy. Virtual net metering means net metering for electricity generatedby a solar system at a different location from where the energy is consumed. It is a kind of bill crediting system for community solar. Energy generated on the site is fed into the grid and resulting net metering credits are shared among its subscribers.

 

Apart from this, the entrepreneurs and representatives expressed satisfaction over the introduction of group net metering through the new amendment. As per the new step,surplus units injected into the grid from a roof top system or any other mounting structure in the consumer’s premises that will be adjusted against the energy consumed in the monthly bill of service connections based on a priority list and sharing ratio. They also praised the commission for increasing the net metering cap to 5 MW. Now, consumer scan install a roof top solar plant of upto 5 MWcapacity andavailnetmeteringfacility. Previously, net metering was capped at 1 MW capacity.

 

The VIA forum further expressed satisfaction over postponing grid-support charges and green open access permissions. At the outset VIA President, Vishal Agrawal made the opening remarks and applauded the Government and MERC for their futuristic and positive step making Maharashtra as a trend setting State for green energy consumption. Sudhir Budhey, Advisor of All India Renewable Energy Association, Nagpur highlighted the key pointsof the policy while RB Goenka dwelled upon the grey areas which needed further clarification. While summing up the session, Vice President of VIA Prashant Mohota suggested a framework forindustrialists to use these policies for their advantage. Ashish Doshi and representatives of various units and others were present.