Under the new net metering rules, the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC) has mandated the state distribution companies (discoms) to allow net metering solutions for qualifying users up to 85 per cent of the rated capacity of the distribution transformer. Based on a rigorous load study, the Commission has granted discoms the ability to allow net metering connectivity over the threshold. The discoms must also give annual information on transformer-level capacity available for connecting grid interactive rooftop solar systems under net metering arrangements, which will be published on their websites and shared with the Commission.
Other important changes to the guidelines have been made by the regulatory authority to encourage the use of renewable energy systems, with a particular emphasis on group and virtual net metering arrangements. On June 23, 2023, the modified guidelines, titled “Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering for Renewable Energy) (First Amendment) Guidelines, 2023,” went into effect. Under the revised criteria, DISCOMs will acquire unadjusted net credited units of energy up to 25 per cent of the total units generated by an eligible client throughout the fiscal year at the approved average power purchase cost for the relevant year.
However, any extra unadjusted net credited units over 25 per cent of total units generated during the year will be regarded as an unwanted or inadvertent injunction and will not be paid by discoms. Renewable energy systems commissioned under the TERC (Net Metering for Grid Interactive Rooftop Solar System) Regulations, 2016, until March 31, 2026, will be exempt from payment of wheeling charges, banking charges, cross-subsidy charges, and any other charges as determined by the Commission during their useful life, according to the revised guideline. The exemption is designed to give consumers additional financial incentives to embrace renewable energy systems.
