APEPDCL Pursuing Sanction of Discom-Driven Solar Rooftop Program

The Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh (APEPDCL) has announced that it has filed a petition with the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) seeking approval for the implementation of a discom driven solar rooftop program devised under the technical assistance titled ‘Power Sector Reform Program’ supported by UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

With the idea of a discom being involved in a rooftop solar project right from the beginning of the installation process, APEPDCL has recommended two models for the implementation of the program.

Model 1 will be customer-owned solar rooftop program with net-metering. The equated monthly installment (EMI) will be partly shared by the DISCOM on a net present value (NPV) neutral basis.

This model is for Domestic Category B consumers with monthly consumption between 140 to 200 units. Rooftop solar PV systems will be of capacity 1 kW to 1.5 kW. The DISCOM will be the facilitator who aggregates consumer demand by taking signed consent from the consumers. Wherein they agree to pay the discom the EMO on availed loan up to their present monthly electrical bill.

DISCOM will find the capital cost of a rooftop solar PV system and aid the consumers in availing loan from the bank to meet the capital requirement post CFA granted by the MNRE. A typical loan tenure will be about seven years, and the consumer will be liable to pay EMI equal to their current electricity bill during loan tenure, while DISCOM will pay the remaining EMI. Once the loan tenure is over, the DISCOM will collect the EMI amount paid by it from the consumer every month.

Model 2 will be grid-connected rooftop solar PV program on developer mode under gross metering. Under this model, a developer will be selected through competitive bidding for the supply of power to APEPDCL for 25 years utilising the rooftop spaces of willing consumers.

In its petition, APEPDCL has asserted that this program will lead to reduced cost of rooftop solar PV systems for consumers, ensure quality, address the challenge of interconnection delays and enable adoption of rooftop solar PV by low-end consumer segments.

The APERC has invited comments, suggestions from stakeholders on the matter and granted a period until April 24, 2019. After which, the commission will host a public hearing on the matter on April 27, 2019.