en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has recently issued a clarification regarding the net metering and billing arrangements for existing solar rooftop projects in the state, addressing uncertainties surrounding solar rooftop photovoltaic (SRTPV) systems with capacities between 500 kWp and 1000 kWp that were commissioned before the implementation of the new regulations in 2023.

The clarification was made following a request from the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) to the Commission. APEPDCL sought guidance on the applicability of APERC Regulation No. 4 of 2023 to existing solar rooftop installations. The 2023 regulation limits net metering eligibility to solar rooftop systems with a maximum capacity of 500 kWp, leading to confusion over the status of larger projects already in operation.

After reviewing the relevant provisions of both the old and new regulations, APERC clarified that the new capacity limit does not apply to projects that were commissioned before the regulation came into effect. The Commission noted that Clause 22 of APERC Regulation No. 4 of 2023 contains a grandfathering clause designed to protect existing projects from subsequent regulatory changes.

According to the Commission, solar rooftop systems that were commissioned before the implementation of the new regulation, as well as projects under construction that have already received feasibility report approvals, will continue to be governed by the rules and conditions in effect at the time of their approval. These projects will operate under their original agreements until the contract term expires.

Consequently, solar rooftop installations with capacities between 500 kWp and 1000 kWp will continue to apply the net metering or gross metering arrangements stipulated in their existing agreements. Their billing mechanisms remain unchanged, providing certainty for developers and consumers who invested under the previous policy framework.

The Commission further clarified that the 500 kWp cap introduced by the 2023 regulation applies only to new projects seeking approval after the regulation came into effect. Existing projects protected by the grandfathering clause are not required to modify their metering arrangements or contract terms.

This clarification is expected to bring significant regulatory and financial relief to developers and consumers operating larger rooftop solar systems. APERC has communicated its decision to APEPDCL and forwarded the clarification to other distribution companies in Andhra Pradesh, APCPDCL and APSPDCL, to ensure consistent implementation across the state.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com