West Bengal amends regulations for renewable energy generation

The West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) has announced amendments to its Cogeneration and Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources Regulations, 2013. Among the notable amendments is the mandate to implement gross metering for rooftop systems of over 5 kW capacity against 1 kW earlier. Net metering is permitted for rooftop systems of 1-5 kW capacity, except for agricultural consumers for whom net metering is not permitted. The existing net metering connections will be allowed to operate but in the case of additional capacity installations, their eligibility will be reconsidered. Energy in excess of 90 per cent of the consumer’s consumption in each billing period can be carried over to the next billing period within the year. The RPOs of the state were also amended.