UP Approves Multiple Waivers For New Rooftop Solar Consumers

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC), in a recent order, approved a set of waivers aimed at encouraging new rooftop solar consumers in the state. The order follows a petition by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), which had sought several relaxations to accelerate adoption under the rooftop solar programme.

However, state distribution companies — Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) and Noida Power Company Ltd (NPCL) — raised objections, citing adverse financial implications for discoms. After hearing both sides, UPERC granted certain waivers but disallowed others. The regulator also directed UPNEDA and the discoms to jointly prepare a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for smoother implementation of rooftop solar projects in the state.

Key waivers approved for consumers

UPERC said it is amending the UPERC (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive System Gross/Net Metering) Regulations, 2019, for consumers with sanctioned loads up to 10 kW. Key relaxations include:

• Waiver of application and registration fees for rooftop solar consumers.

• Waiver of the requirement to sign an interconnection agreement.

• Waiver of net-meter testing fees.

The commission also specified that the maximum AC-side plant capacity for rooftop systems should be capped at 90% of the DC-side capacity for regulatory purposes.

Waivers denied over discoms’ revenue concerns

On other demands, the regulator sided with the discoms. UPERC rejected UPNEDA’s proposal to allow consumers with pending electricity dues to install rooftop solar or seek load enhancement, citing risks to discom finances.

Similarly, the commission disallowed waivers on the additional security deposit (₹400 per kW) and processing fees (₹100), holding that such measures could weaken the financial health of utilities.

UPNEDA has already earmarked 25 lakh rooftop solar connections under the central government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and the new waivers are expected to ease consumer adoption, though discom concerns remain a key bottleneck for wider uptake.